The Economic Times News

Stretch that check! Three little-known tricks could make your 2026 Social Security go further

Social Security benefits 2026: Millions of retirees will receive a 2.8% COLA increase in 2026, lifting the average monthly Social Security check to about $2,071, according to early SSA estimates. That adds roughly $56 a month for a typical beneficiary. But higher Medicare premiums, rent increases, grocery inflation, and utility costs continue to squeeze seniors. Many retirees already say their 2026 benefits are not keeping pace with real-world expenses.