Social Security COLA 2027: Official 3.6% & Benefit Calculator
Announced by SSA on October 14, 2026 — the largest increase since 2023
Payments with the new COLA begin January 2027
The average retired worker receives $2024.77/month in 2026.
Official 3.6% COLA
$2,097.60/mo+$72.83/mo
Your Estimated 2027 Benefit
Official
Source: SSA
3.6%
New Monthly Benefit
$2,097.60
Monthly
+$72.83
Yearly
+$874
After Medicare Part B*
$1,884/mo
Net change: +$63/mo
*Medicare Part B premium: $202.9/mo (2026 actual) → $213.05/mo (2027 projected). Amounts rounded per SSA official rounding rules.
Recent COLA History
Social Security cost-of-living adjustments over the past 10 years, including the official 2027 COLA of 3.6%.
*2027 is the official SSA figure, announced October 14, 2026.
2027 COLA: Officially 3.6%
The Announcement
The SSA announced a 3.6% COLA for 2027 on October 14, 2026 — the largest increase since 2023. About 76 million Americans will see bigger checks starting January 2027.
How Predictions Compared
Pre-announcement forecasts ranged from 2.8% (TSCL) to 4.0%. The official 3.6% came in above most estimates, driven by higher energy costs in Q3 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official COLA for 2027?
The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% COLA for 2027 on October 14, 2026 — the largest increase since 2023.
When was the 2027 COLA announced?
The Social Security Administration announced the 2027 COLA on October 14, 2026, based on Q3 2026 CPI-W data. Increased payments begin in January 2027 (SSI payments go out on December 31, 2026).
How is COLA calculated?
COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). SSA compares the average CPI-W for July, August, and September (Q3) of the current year to Q3 of the previous year. The percentage increase becomes the COLA for the following January.
Is the 2027 COLA higher than 2026?
Yes. The 2027 COLA is 3.6%, up from 2.8% in 2026 — the largest increase in four years.
What does a low COLA mean for retirees?
A low COLA means your Social Security benefits may not keep pace with actual living cost increases, particularly for healthcare, housing, and food. When Medicare Part B premiums rise faster than the COLA, the net increase in your check may be even smaller.
The 2027 COLA Is Official
3.6% — the largest increase since 2023. Use the calculator above to see your new monthly benefit.
Calculate Your Benefit →