Published on: September 12, 2025
A Social Security cost-of-living adjustment could increase 2.7% in 2026 from 2.5%, according to a new estimate. (Adobe Stock)
By Trimmel Gomes
While Social Security benefits are expected to increase next year, AARP Montana says funding threats and rising costs continue to endanger seniors' financial security.
Social Security is the primary income source for more than 96,000 Montanans. While a higher cost-of-living adjustment is expected in 2026, AARP Montana State Director Tim Summers said the program faces a significant funding threat that requires congressional action.
"Social Security has obviously survived for 90 years, and it’s an amazing program, and it has served millions of Americans and given them the ability to retire with dignity," he said. "In the next 10 years – about nine years, actually – Social Security will face a funding shortfall."
According to AARP data, Social Security keeps about 64,000 Montanans from slipping into poverty each year. Without benefits, the level of poverty among seniors in the state would more than triple.
Beyond long-term funding, Summers said older Montanans already face some direct threats, with fraudsters specifically targeting vulnerable populations in rural and reservation communities.
"One issue that we find particularly difficult for our rural members and the 50-plus living on reservations is fraud," he said. "Fraud is increasing; the fraudsters are becoming more and more savvy."
He said AARP Montana is advocating for property-tax relief and fraud-prevention education, emphasizing that scammers are increasingly targeting people on fixed incomes.
