Leland Dudek’s weekend started with a phone call removing him from his job at the Social Security Administration after giving information about the agency to DOGE, the government cost-cutting initiative associated with billionaire Elon Musk. By Monday, he was named the agency’s acting commissioner.

When people think of Social Security, they typically think of monthly benefits — for the roughly 69 million retirees, disabled workers, dependents and survivors who receive them today.

The latest cost-of-living projection for 2026 shows that seniors could see less of an increase than last year, according to the nonpartisan Senior Citizens League

Those who apply for Social Security under their FRA could lose even more from their checks if they're still working and their income exceeds certain limits. In 2025, you lose $1 for every $2 you earn over $23,400 if you're under your FRA all year. If you'll reach your FRA in 2025, you only lose $1 for every $3 you earn over $62,160.

According to non-partisan group, The Senior Citizens League, 2026's cost of living adjustment increases will not likely keep up with inflation. Here's what the prediction shows.