What is the 2027 Social Security COLA?

3.6%. The Social Security Administration announced it on October 14, 2026, and it takes effect with January 2027 payments (December 31, 2026 for SSI). It raises the average retired-worker benefit by about $75 a month.

How much more will I get from the 2027 COLA?

Multiply your current monthly benefit by 0.036. For the average retired worker, that is about $75 a month (from roughly $2,095 to $2,170). On a $1,500 benefit it is about $54; on $3,000, about $108.

When does the 2027 COLA start?

For Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability benefits, it begins with your January 2027 payment. SSI recipients get the increase on December 31, 2026. SSA mails personalized COLA notices in December.

What else changes for Social Security in 2027?

The maximum taxable earnings rise to $192,300, the earnings-test limits to $25,560 (under full retirement age) and $67,920 (the year you reach it), the monthly SGA limits to $1,770 (non-blind) and $2,950 (blind), the amount for one work credit to $1,970, and the maximum benefit at full retirement age to $4,188.

Does the 3.6% COLA fix Social Security's funding problem?

No. The COLA only adjusts benefits for inflation. Social Security's trust fund is still projected to run short around 2032 unless Congress acts, which would trigger an across-the-board reduction separate from any annual COLA.

Social Security COLA Is 3.6% for 2027: What Changes

It's official: Social Security benefits rise 3.6% in 2027 — about $75 more a month for the average retiree, starting in January. Here's how much more you'll get, the other 2027 figures that changed (wage base, earnings limits, SGA), and when you'll see it.

It's official: Social Security benefits will rise 3.6% in 2027. The Social Security Administration announced the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on October 14, 2026 — about $75 more a month for the average retired worker, starting with January 2027 payments. Roughly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries get the increase, and about 7.3 million people on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) see it a day early, on December 31, 2026. Here's exactly how much more you'll get and what else changes.

How much more you'll get

The 3.6% raise applies to your current benefit — so larger checks see a larger dollar increase. The math is simple: multiply your monthly benefit by 0.036.

The average retired-worker benefit rises from about $2,095 to $2,170 a month — roughly $75 more.
On a benefit of $1,500, the increase is about $54 a month; on $3,000, about $108.

At 3.6%, this is the largest COLA in four years — bigger than 2026's 2.8%, 2025's 2.5%, and 2024's 3.2%, though still far below the inflation-driven 8.7% of 2023.

The other 2027 numbers that changed

October's announcement resets several figures for the new year:

Figure	2026	2027
COLA	2.8%	3.6%
Maximum taxable earnings (wage base)	$184,500	$192,300
Earnings-test limit, under full retirement age	$24,480	$25,560
Earnings-test limit, year you reach FRA	$65,160	$67,920
Monthly SGA limit (non-blind / blind)	$1,690 / $2,830	$1,770 / $2,950
Earnings for one work credit	$1,890	$1,970
Maximum benefit at full retirement age	$4,152	$4,188

Higher earners will pay Social Security tax on more of their wages (up to $192,300), and people who work while claiming early can earn a bit more before the earnings test temporarily holds back benefits.

Will it actually feel like a raise?

Partly. The catch most years is Medicare Part B premiums, which are usually deducted straight from your check — if the premium rises, your net increase is smaller than the gross 3.6%. The deeper question is purchasing power: many seniors feel COLAs don't keep up with the costs they actually face, like health care and housing. We walk through why in why a bigger COLA can disappoint.

When you'll see it

SSI recipients: the higher payment arrives December 31, 2026 (because January 1 is a holiday).
Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability: the increase starts with your January 2027 payment, on your usual payment date.
SSA posts your personalized COLA notice in December, and you can view your new amount in your my Social Security account in early December.

What it means for you

Your benefit is going up — check the new amount in December and remember a Part B premium change can offset part of it. One thing the COLA does not do is fix Social Security's longer-term funding: the trust fund is still projected to run short around 2032 regardless of the annual raise. To see your own numbers, use our benefits calculator, and our cheat sheet keeps the key figures in one place.

This article is general educational information, not financial advice. The 2027 COLA and related figures are from the Social Security Administration's October 14, 2026 announcement; confirm your specific amount at ssa.gov or in your my Social Security account. SocialSecurityNews.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration.