The Economic Times

March could bring 2 important COLA updates for Social Security retirees - what it means for benefits

Social Security COLA update: More than 71 million Americans depend on Social Security benefits, and new March 2026 inflation data could signal the 2027 Social Security COLA increase. The March 11 CPI report and March 18 Federal Reserve meeting will reveal key CPI-W inflation trends used in the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment formula. If inflation rises, retirees could see a bigger benefit boost in 2027. If prices cool, the next COLA increase may stay near recent levels.