AARP Statement on Social Security 2026 COLA Announcement

WASHINGTON—AARP Chief Executive Officer Myechia Minter-Jordan released the statement below in response to today’s announcement of a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), or an average of $56 per month, for Social Security. Today more than 70 million Americans receive their earned Social Security, and for 40 percent of older Americans, Social Security is their primary source of income. 

“The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) plays a crucial role in supporting older Americans, helping ensure retirement income keeps pace with inflation. AARP has fought for Social Security for decades -- including to protect the COLA from those who wanted to make cuts. Over the past year, many older Americans have been financially squeezed, and Social Security is an important key to their financial health. It isn’t just a source of income – it’s a lifeline of independence and dignity, for tens of millions of older Americans. Yet even with the COLA, 77% of older adults still face challenges covering basic expenses. 
 
At AARP, we’re committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security. Today, with Congress facing a deadline of 2034 to ensure Social Security can continue making its payments in full, we are committed to working on a bipartisan basis to ensure Social Security can deliver on its promise of financial security for the years to come. Americans have earned their Social Security over years of hard work, and AARP will fight to ensure people everywhere can keep what they’ve earned.”

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About AARP 
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 120 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media. 

For further information: Kevin Glass, kglass@aarp.org, 202-746-7931.