It seems the only constant in life is change. Let's take a look at why the 2026 COLA is both good and bad for Social Security recipients.

This has been a unique year, with Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal delayed by nine days due to the federal government shutdown. Social Security benefits will climb by 2.8% in 2026, which marks the fifth consecutive year that recipients have received at least a 2.5% year-over-year increase.

Social Security beneficiaries will get a 2.8 percent increase in their monthly payments next year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Oct. 24. The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is slightly higher than last year’s 2.5 percent increase, reflecting a recent uptick in inflation.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that roughly 750,000 government employees would be furloughed each day during the shutdown. While the changes in services at local Social Security offices are not tied to the government shutdown, any update in reduced services could make it more difficult for recipients to receive their benefits.

To help fill the gap, the SSA suggests creating a freemy Social Security account if you don't already have one. Many of the services typically taken care of in local offices can be dealt with online through your personalized account. The Motley Fool has a ...

Social Security's annual cost-of-living adjustment is aimed at helping the program's 75 million beneficiaries keep pace with inflation.