Social Security COLA Forecast, AOL Ends Dial-Up Service

Key takeaways

• Analysts are expecting a 2.5% Social Security COLA increase in 2026, boosting monthly payments.
• Prepare for AOL’s dial-up discontinuation by exploring alternative internet providers.

Summary

As the 2026 Social Security COLA forecast emerges, recipients can expect a modest cost-of-living adjustment, with analysts predicting a 2.5% increase, translating to around $50 more per month. This adjustment is crucial for millions of Americans relying on Social Security benefits. The predicted COLA increase is in line with the past two years, but experts worry it may not be enough to keep up with rising costs.  

Meanwhile, a chapter of internet history is coming to an end as AOL discontinues its dial-up service, requiring over 163,000 users, mostly in rural areas, to seek alternative internet options. The shift away from dial-up internet marks a significant milestone, highlighting the need for reliable and fast internet access, particularly in rural areas.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full transcript

 [00:00:00] Social Security recipients may see a modest cost of living increase next year. That's the 

[00:00:10] prediction from analysts. After a key measure of inflation rose 2.5% in July for retired workers, a 2.5% cost of living adjustment would 

[00:00:20] increase average payments by about $50 each month. It's in line with the past two years, but experts worry that's not enough to keep up with rising costs. 

[00:00:30] Officials still need two more months of data before making the final calculation. The 2026 Cola will be announced in October with adjusted payments in 

[00:00:40] January. This comes as Social Security celebrates its 90th anniversary this month. A new study suggests lithium could be a promising 

[00:00:50] treatment for Alzheimer's. In experiments with mice, Harvard researchers saw memory problems reverse when the mice were given a particular type of the mineral. Low [00:01:00] lithium levels were linked to memory loss. While the treatment is promising expert stress that human trials are still needed, lithium is currently used to treat 

[00:01:10] bipolar disorder, but can be toxic at certain levels. It's the end of an era for dialup internet. A OL is pulling the 

[00:01:20] plug on its dial-up service at the end of September after more than three decades. Once the gateway to cyberspace for millions. AOL's Dialup was known for its [00:01:30] screeching connection tones and iconic. You've got mail alerts. It's been replaced with many faster options like broadband and wireless. But even 

[00:01:40] today, over 163,000 Americans, mostly in rural areas or on tight budgets, still rely on dial up as a OL exits. 

[00:01:50] Those users must now explore alternative. From niche providers to public wifi and government 

[00:02:00] subsidies.