Did this year’s COLA beat inflation? Here’s how spending by American seniors stacks up so far in 2026.

This year's 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits is expected to provide recipients with an extra $75 per month in 2027. While this adjustment aims to keep up with inflation, early data on spending by American seniors suggests that actual inflation rates may still outpace this increase. This matters because the COLA directly impacts the purchasing power of millions of older Americans, influencing their overall financial stability and well-being. As inflation continues to be a significant concern, this analysis highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing benefit increases with rising living costs.