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Cola

All articles tagged with #cola

Social Security Benefits and Changes for 2026
economy3 months ago

Social Security Benefits and Changes for 2026

The maximum Social Security benefit for full retirement age in 2026 will increase to $4,152 per month due to a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, along with higher earnings thresholds for beneficiaries who work while receiving benefits. The average benefit for retired workers is also expected to rise to $2,071 per month in 2026.

government4 months ago

2026 Social Security and VA Benefits: What to Expect

The 2026 VA disability pay increase, driven by a 2.8% COLA, will automatically raise the monthly benefits for veterans with a 60% disability rating from $1,500 to approximately $1,545, ensuring their benefits keep pace with inflation. The increase takes effect in January 2026 and applies to all eligible veterans without reapplication, reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting veterans' financial stability.

2026 Social Security COLA: Who Will See the Full Increase?
personal-finance4 months ago

2026 Social Security COLA: Who Will See the Full Increase?

The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 2.8%, but many retirees may see less of an increase in their benefits due to rising Medicare Part B premiums, which could reduce the net benefit. Retirees should consider reviewing their Medicare plans during open enrollment to optimize costs and plan for the impact of these changes on their finances.

Social Security 2026 COLA Increase Set at 2.8% for Beneficiaries
economy4 months ago

Social Security 2026 COLA Increase Set at 2.8% for Beneficiaries

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, increasing monthly benefits by about $56 on average, to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation, which rose 3% in September. Despite this increase, many seniors feel the adjustment is insufficient to cover rising costs, and poverty among seniors is increasing. The COLA is based on the CPI-W index, which some argue does not fully reflect seniors' expenses.

Social Security Benefits to Rise 2.8% in 2026
world4 months ago

Social Security Benefits to Rise 2.8% in 2026

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, increasing benefits by about $56 per month on average, though higher Medicare premiums and taxes may offset some of this increase. The COLA aims to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation, with the adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

Trump Administration to Release Delayed Inflation Data Amid Social Security COLA Concerns
economy4 months ago

Trump Administration to Release Delayed Inflation Data Amid Social Security COLA Concerns

The Trump administration plans to release the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) data before November 1 despite the government shutdown, as it is crucial for calculating the upcoming Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA). The shutdown has halted most Bureau of Labor Statistics operations, but some staff are being called back to ensure the CPI data is published on time, which could impact the COLA announcement for 2026. Last year, beneficiaries received a 2.5% increase, with over 74 million people affected.

Impact of 2023 Government Shutdown on Social Security and Retirees
finance4 months ago

Impact of 2023 Government Shutdown on Social Security and Retirees

The 2026 Social Security COLA is forecasted to increase benefits by 2.7%, with retirees in states with higher median incomes, such as New Jersey and Connecticut, receiving the largest dollar increases, although state residence does not directly affect benefit amounts. The benefits are indirectly influenced by lifetime earnings, which tend to be higher in wealthier states.