COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026

# COLAs Don't Count Act of 2026 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, introduced by Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, would change how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are counted when determining eligibility for certain federal assistance programs. COLAs are automatic annual increases to Social Security and other benefits designed to keep up with inflation. Currently, when someone receives a COLA increase, it can push their total income above the limit for means-tested programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or food assistance, making them ineligible.

This bill would prevent COLA increases from being counted as income for these purposes, allowing people to keep their benefits even as their Social Security goes up. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily benefit seniors and people with disabilities who receive both Social Security and need-based assistance programs. It would affect beneficiaries of programs like SSI, Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and housing assistance who might otherwise lose eligibility when their Social Security increases annually. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee review, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since its introduction.