The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, increasing benefits for more than 75 million Americans who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). On average, retirement benefits will rise by about $56 per month beginning in January 2026.

This increase serves as a timely reminder for financial professionals to reach out to clients. A benefit adjustment often prompts retirees and pre-retirees to rethink their claiming strategy or broader income plan, and that creates an opportunity for a meaningful conversation.

In addition, a recent Schroders U.S. Retirement Survey of 1,500 American investors found that 90% plan to claim Social Security before age 70, even though waiting could significantly increase their lifetime benefit. In fact, 44% plan to claim before reaching their full retirement age of 67, despite knowing that delaying would boost their monthly payments.

For financial professionals, those numbers highlight an opportunity to help clients see the bigger picture. The decision about when to claim Social Security is not just about timing; it is about how that choice fits into the broader context of protection, income, and retirement confidence.

Why Clients Claim Early
For many Americans, Social Security represents the foundation of their retirement income. Yet decisions about when to claim are often emotional, influenced by uncertainty or misinformation. Clients may compare themselves to others, assume claiming early is safer, or underestimate how longevity and inflation will impact their long-term income.

By reframing the question from when should I claim to how does this fit into my financial plan, advisors can help clients make more confident, informed decisions.

Where Collaboration Adds Value
At 1847Financial, financial professionals have a partner in these conversations: the Client Strategies Group (CSG). This specialized team supports advisors with plan design, case development, and client presentation preparation using platforms like eMoney, RightCapital, and LEAP.

By partnering with CSG, advisors can spend less time on analysis and more time building relationships and revenue-generating activity, knowing their clients’ strategies are backed by expert support.

A Protection-First Approach
At 1847Financial, Social Security is more than a government benefit; it is a key piece of a protection-first, holistic plan. Our advisors have the freedom to build their business their way, backed by specialized expertise, technology, and firmwide collaboration that enhances every client experience.

Now is the time to reach out to clients. The upcoming COLA increase offers a natural reason to review Social Security strategies, refresh retirement income projections, and reinforce the value of long-term planning.

Ready to elevate your client planning conversations? Connect with us to learn how 1847Financial’s Client Strategies Group and holistic planning resources can help you grow your business with confidence.

^{Sources:
SSA COLA, October 24, 2025
Schroders U.S. Retirement Survey, October 2025
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