The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, raising average retirement benefits by $75 per month for nearly 72 million beneficiaries.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that Social Security benefits will increase by 3.6 percent in 2027. The adjustment applies to Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). According to the SSA, the average retirement benefit will rise by $75 per month.
Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will receive the 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2027. Increased payments for approximately 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026. The SSA notes that some individuals receive both Social Security benefits and SSI.
Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano stated in a news release, "Social Security will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans, giving them greater financial stability." He added, "Under President Donald J. Trump, Social Security is delivering better, faster, higher-quality service for the American people."
Beneficiaries with personal my Social Security accounts can view their COLA notice online starting in late November. The SSA states this is up to three weeks earlier than receiving a paper notice in the mail. Account holders can choose to receive text or email alerts when a new message, including the COLA notice, is available in the Message Center.
Individuals who do not have a personal account must create one and enroll in paperless notices by November 18 to see their COLA notice online. Those who have not enrolled in paperless notices will receive their COLA notice by mail in December. The SSA says beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page notice using plain and personalized language, providing exact dates and dollar amounts for new benefit amounts and deductions.
The annual COLA is calculated based on the Social Security Act, which ties the adjustment to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index is determined by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The calculation compares the current year's third-quarter inflation average (July through September) against the prior year's third-quarter average.
The 3.6 percent increase represents a significant adjustment for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security for income. The SSA reports that Social Security benefits account for about 31 percent of income for people over age 65, and nearly 9 out of 10 Americans 65 and older receive Social Security. The adjustment aims to ensure that the purchasing power of benefits does not fall behind the current cost of goods.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
PoliticsTrending
USCIS has issued a final rule permanently eliminating the 540-day automatic extension for certain work authorization renewals filed on or after October 30, 2025. The change affects workers whose permits expire while renewals are pending.
PoliticsTrending
Reports indicate Kansas State University President Richard Linton will be appointed as the 17th president of Virginia Tech. Both university boards have scheduled special meetings for Wednesday to address the transition.
