Social Security COLA 2027: What It Means

Last updated November 6, 2026

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 is 3.6 percent. About 76 million Americans will see bigger payments. The average retirement check will rise by about 75 dollars a month in January.

This guide explains who gets the raise, when it arrives and how Medicare costs could shrink it.

This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Benefit amounts depend on your own record.

Key Takeaways

• The 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 3.6 percent, up from 2.8 percent in 2026.
• The average retirement benefit rises by about 75 dollars a month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments go up on December 31, 2026.
• Most Social Security checks show the raise in January 2027.
• A higher Medicare Part B premium could take a bite out of the increase.

On This Page

• What Is the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?
• How Much More You Will Get
• When the Raise Arrives
• How Medicare Affects Your Raise
• Other Social Security Changes for 2027
• How the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) Is Calculated
• How to Check Your New Amount
• Making the Most of Your Raise

What Is the 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)?

A cost-of-living adjustment is a yearly raise that helps benefits keep up with rising prices. Without it, inflation would slowly shrink what your check can buy.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the 3.6 percent increase on October 14, 2026. It covers about 76 million people who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano said the agency “will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans,” FOX Business reported.

How 2027 Compares With Past Years

The 2027 raise is the largest since 2023. Here is how it stacks up against recent years.

Higher energy prices this year helped push the number up. As a result, retirees get a bigger boost than they did in the last two years.

How Much More You Will Get

The Social Security Administration (SSA) says the average retirement benefit will rise by about 75 dollars a month. Over a full year, that adds up to roughly 900 dollars for the typical retiree.

Your own raise depends on your current benefit. A bigger check gets a bigger dollar increase, since everyone gets the same percentage.

For example, a 1,500 dollar monthly check would rise by 54 dollars. A 2,500 dollar check would go up by 90 dollars.

Here is a quick look at your raise before and after the 3.6 percent increase.

These amounts are before any Medicare premium comes out of your check.

Use this calculator to estimate your new monthly amount.

When the Raise Arrives

The timing depends on which benefit you receive.

Supplemental Security Income

About 7.3 million people get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Their higher payments begin on December 31, 2026, because the January payment arrives a day early.

Social Security Benefits

Nearly 72 million Social Security recipients will see the raise starting in January 2027. Your payment date depends on your birthday and when you first claimed benefits.

Most people get paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month. Those who started benefits before May 1997 are usually paid on the third.

How Medicare Affects Your Raise

For many retirees, the Medicare Part B premium comes straight out of their Social Security check. So if that premium rises, part of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) disappears.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has not yet announced the 2027 Part B premium. However, the Medicare Trustees projected a monthly premium of about 209.50 dollars, up from 202.90 dollars, according to Kiplinger.

If that estimate holds, the premium would rise by about 6.60 dollars a month. In that case, the average retiree would still keep most of the raise.

Other Social Security Changes for 2027

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is not the only change. A few other numbers shift each year too.

Higher Taxable Earnings Limit

Workers pay Social Security tax on earnings up to a yearly limit. For 2027, that limit rises to 192,300 dollars, up from 184,500 dollars.

So higher earners will pay Social Security tax on a bit more of their income.

New Notices Coming Soon

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will post cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices in online accounts starting in late November. To see yours online, create a my Social Security account by November 18.

Otherwise, you will get a paper notice in the mail in December.

How the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Is Calculated

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) follows a price measure with a long name. It is the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks it every month.

The agency compares its July to September average with the same months last year. The percentage change becomes the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Some advocates say this index does not fully reflect what older adults spend. For instance, retirees often spend more on health care than younger workers do.

How to Check Your New Amount

Follow these steps to confirm your 2027 benefit.

1. Sign in to your my Social Security account on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.
2. Open the Message Center in late November.
3. Find your cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notice and check your new monthly amount.
4. Look for any Medicare premium deducted from your check.
5. Update your monthly budget with your new take-home amount.

• Create or sign in to my Social Security
• Read your cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notice in late November
• Note your new gross and net monthly amount
• Check the 2027 Medicare Part B premium when announced
• Update your 2027 budget
• Ignore calls asking for bank details

Making the Most of Your Raise

A raise of 75 dollars a month may feel small. Still, a few smart moves can stretch it further.

First, review your budget for 2027. Rising prices for food and energy may already use up part of the increase.

Next, check whether you qualify for programs that lower Medicare costs. Medicare Savings Programs can help people with limited income pay their premiums.

Also, consider putting part of the raise into an emergency fund. Even a small cushion can help with surprise bills.

Finally, beware of scams around the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) will never call to demand payment or ask for your bank details.

Plan a Budget With Your New Amount

A raise in your benefit is a good time to look at your budget. Small changes can help the extra money go further.

1. Write down your new monthly benefit after any deductions.
2. List your regular bills, such as rent, food and utilities.
3. Set aside a small amount each month for emergencies.
4. Plan for costs that come once a year, like insurance or car repairs.

Check your budget again in a few months. Prices change, and your plan should change with them.

Watch Out for Social Security Scams

Scammers often use benefit changes to trick people. They may call, text or email pretending to be from Social Security.

• Social Security will never threaten to arrest you.
• It will never ask you to pay with gift cards or wire transfers.
• It will not ask for your full number through a text message.
• When in doubt, hang up and call the official number yourself.

Report suspected scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General. Warn family members so they know what to look for.

Talk With Family About Your Benefits

Money talks can feel awkward, but they help families plan together. A short conversation can prevent stress later.

Share where your important documents are kept. Let a trusted person know how to reach your bank and benefits office.

If someone helps manage your money, review the plan together each year. Clear communication protects everyone.

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027?

The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment is 3.6 percent. It applies to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

When will I get the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients get the higher payment on December 31, 2026. Most Social Security recipients see it in January 2027.

How much will my check go up?

The average retirement benefit will rise by about 75 dollars a month. Your exact raise is 3.6 percent of your current benefit.

Will Medicare take part of my raise?

It may. A higher Medicare Part B premium can shrink your raise. Officials have not announced the 2027 premium yet.

Wrapping Up

The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) gives retirees their biggest raise in four years. Watch for your notice in late November, and plan your 2027 budget around your new amount.

For more ways to prepare, read our year-end money moves. Shopping for gifts on a fixed income? Our Black Friday 2026 guide can help you save. Also check our Medicare open enrollment 2027 guide before December 7.

Editor’s Note

This article is accurate as of November 6, 2026. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has not announced 2027 Medicare premiums yet, and figures may change. Check the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Medicare websites for official amounts.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

D

Keep exploring

Your next read is waiting

Surprise me

1BusinessUber Plans to Grow Its Robotaxi Fleet Fast4 min read2Food & LifestyleWhy 4 Irish Beaches Are Among Europe’s Best4 min read3News5 Airlines Where Premium Economy WiFi Is Free4 min read4HealthHow to Wash Your Hands Properly to Stop Germs8 min read5SportsHow to Start Walking for Fitness: Beginner Plan8 min read6AI & Tech6 Gemini Voice Commands That Make Android Hands-Free4 min read