Social Security's 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) didn't come as a surprise to many who have been keeping an eye on the inflation data. But that doesn't stop it from disappointing the millions of retirees who were hoping for more.

Tens of millions of Social Security recipients will learn Thursday how big a cost-of-living boost they’ll get to their benefits next year.

The Social Security Administration announced 2025's cost of living adjustment (COLA) to Social Security checks.

Inflation has fallen from the four-decade high it reached in 2022, but the price increases that scorched the economy following the pandemic are still a source of hardship for many retired workers. Consider these statistics from the Schroders 2024 U.S. Retirement Survey: Fewer than 50% of retired workers believe they have enough money saved.

Tens of millions of retirees will see a modest increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments.

A Social Security cost of living increase offers retirees options such as managing costs, saving or enjoying small splurges.

A fourth consecutive year of an above-average cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is still likely to leave retirees disappointed.

Prices accelerated in September, though the overall inflation rate continued to drift lower. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was up 2.4 percent from a year earlier, the smallest 12-month increase since February 2021.