The Growing Middle-Class Retirement Concern Social Security COLA Isn’t Fixing

MoMo Productions / Getty Images The COLA provides some relief, but it won't erase the underlying worry many Americans have: that inflation, policy uncertainty, and longer life spans could steadily erode Social Security's purchasing power. Key Takeaways Despite a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, 39% of middle-class Americans fear Social Security benefits will be cut in the coming years, according to a recent report. Many retirees say the annual COLAs haven’t kept up with real-world costs, ...