Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will rise by 3.6 percent in 2027. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will reach nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries and about 7.3 million people receiving SSI, providing what the agency described as greater financial stability for tens of millions of Americans. On average, retired workers can expect their monthly Social Security retirement benefits to increase by approximately $75.
What the 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment Means for Beneficiaries
The 3.6 percent increase applies to Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits as well as SSI payments. Some individuals receive both Social Security benefits and SSI, and the adjustment covers both programs. Social Security Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said the change will affect 76 million Americans overall.
“Social Security will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans, giving them greater financial stability,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano.
The announcement was issued from the agency’s headquarters in Baltimore, MD, and framed as part of the SSA’s broader effort to deliver better, faster, and higher-quality service to the American people.
Payment Timelines: When the Increase Takes Effect
Beneficiaries will see the higher payments on different schedules depending on which program they receive. Increased SSI payments will begin on December 31, 2026, while Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits will reflect the adjustment starting with January 2027 payments.
| Program | Approximate Beneficiaries | Increase Begins | Typical Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security (OASDI) | Nearly 72 million | January 2027 | About $75 more per month for the average retired worker |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | About 7.3 million | December 31, 2026 | 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment |
Checking Your COLA Notice Through my Social Security
Individuals with a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online starting in late November—up to three weeks before a paper notice arrives by mail. Account holders can also elect to receive text or email alerts when a new message, including the COLA notice, is available in their account’s Message Center.
Paperless Enrollment Deadline and Mail Delivery
Beneficiaries who want to see their notice online must create an account and enroll in paperless notices by November 18. Those who do not enroll in paperless delivery will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice by mail in December. The mailed notice uses plain, personalized language and lists exact dates, dollar amounts, and any deductions for the new benefit. People can create an account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Medicare Premiums and Related 2027 Adjustments
Information about Medicare changes for 2027 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For people enrolled in Medicare, the 2027 premium amount will be available through the my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Individuals who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.
How the Annual COLA Is Calculated Under the Social Security Act
The annual COLA is not a discretionary decision by the agency. Under the Social Security Act, the adjustment is tied to the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. When the index rises, benefits are adjusted automatically to help preserve purchasing power.
Beneficiaries seeking additional information can visit www.ssa.gov/cola, while general information about Social Security services is available at www.ssa.gov. A COLA 2027 Fact Sheet is also available for correspondents and members of the public who want an easy-to-understand overview of the automatic adjustments for the coming year.
The 2027 increase arrives at a time when many older adults, survivors, and people with disabilities are managing fixed incomes against shifting consumer prices. For millions of households, the extra dollars each month will be modest but meaningful, and the shift toward earlier digital notice delivery reflects the SSA’s push to make benefit information more accessible. Beneficiaries who want the fastest access to their new figures
