Every year, Social Security is eligible for a COLA. When inflation remains flat, Social Security benefits remain flat. When there's a decrease in inflation from one year to the next, Social Security benefits also remain flat.

Many Social Security recipients are holding out hope for the new year, though, and banking on a larger COLA for 2026. So far, initial estimates do seem

Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment could rise 2.7%. But Medicare Part B premiums are set to rise even more, eating most of the COLA.