Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living increase is 3.6%
Social Security benefits will receive a 3.6% cost-of-living increase payable in January 2027, with the corresponding January SSI payment arriving at the end of December.
Social Security’s annual adjustment is now set at 3.6%.
It applies to December 2026 benefits paid in January 2027. The January Supplemental Security Income payment comes at the end of December because January 1 is a holiday. [1][3]
The agency estimates that the average retired worker’s monthly benefit will rise from $2,095 to $2,170. That roughly $75 difference is an average, not everyone’s increase or a guaranteed change in take-home income. Use your own benefit notice for personal planning. [2]
The adjustment follows the change in third-quarter average CPI-W, an index for urban wage earners and clerical workers. It therefore differs from September’s 3.7% headline CPI-U rate: the population and comparison window are different. [1]
Take it further
See the official 2027 benefit figures For recipients planning next year. Compare the published averages and limits with your individual benefit notice.
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- Social Security · Adjustment and calculation
Primary formula, 3.6% rate, benefit month and payment timing. CPI-W third-quarter averages determine this adjustment.
- Social Security · 2027 fact sheet
Agency estimates average retired-worker benefits before and after the COLA at $2,095 and $2,170; not an individual award.
- Reuters · October 14 announcement
Independent reporting confirms the announcement date, rate and January/late-December payment timing.
Images & figures
Estimated average retired-worker benefit: $2,095 → $2,170. Individual benefits differ.
Euangelion · original data figure · Source · CC BY 4.0 · Download figure