Social Security's 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) bumped the average benefit from $1,927 per month to $1,976 per month. It's a $49 increase, but many hoped for more. Despite slowing inflation, some retirees still find it difficult to make ends meet,

Social Security is an earned benefit. You become eligible by paying the payroll tax during your working years, and the amount you get is geared to your wage history - with a glaring exception.

Law enforcement groups praised the passage of a bill that would restores Social Security benefits to former public sector workers who also receive pension payments.