Overview
- New inflation readings led The Senior Citizens League to project a 2.8% cost‑of‑living increase for 2027, matching this year’s adjustment.
- AARP cautioned that the 2.8% raise for 2026 may offer only a small cushion if prices keep rising, pressuring household budgets.
- Medicare’s standard Part B premium rose to $202.90 a month, and the higher charge is taken out of Social Security checks before deposit.
- The Social Security Administration bases retirement benefits on a worker’s 35 highest earning years, and the program is built to replace about 40% of pay.
- A worker who earned about $40,000 a year could expect roughly $1,300 to $1,400 a month at full retirement age, with earlier or later claims shifting payments to about $1,300 to $1,800.