Social Security COLA 2027: How Much Will Your Benefits Increase?
The 2027 Social Security COLA is 3.6%. SSA announced the Social Security COLA 2027 figure on October 14, 2026, and the average retirement benefit rises about $75 a month. Estimate your own 2027 Social Security increase, see when new payments begin, and review the other 2027 benefit changes for retirement, SSDI, survivor, and SSI recipients.
2027 Social Security COLA: Quick Answer
Benefits rise 3.6% in 2027. Everyone receiving Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, and SSI, gets the increase automatically — there's nothing to apply for. It starts with January 2027 payments (SSI on December 31, 2026). Your exact new amount will be on your COLA notice in my Social Security (late November 2026) or by mail in December.
What Changes on January 1, 2027?
- Benefits rise 3.6%. The increase first shows up in January 2027 Social Security payments; SSI recipients see it on December 31, 2026.
- SSI federal rate becomes $1,029 for an individual and $1,544 for a couple.
- Earnings test limit rises to $25,560 (under full retirement age) and $67,920 (the year you reach it).
- Taxable maximum rises to $192,300, and one work credit takes $1,970 of earnings.
- SSDI work limits rise to $1,770 a month ($2,950 if blind).
- Not yet final: the 2027 Medicare Part B premium, which CMS typically announces in the fall.
Estimate your new payment: multiply your December 2026 gross benefit by 1.036, then subtract Medicare and any tax withholding — or use the calculator below. Your personalized notice will show the exact amount.
2027 Social Security Increase Calculator
Using the official 2027 COLA
The COLA is the same in every state. Your state only affects taxes and SSI supplements.
Tax withholding, Part D, etc.
Your estimated 2027 increase
Over 12 months, that adds up to about $864.00 more in gross benefits.
Estimate based on the confirmed 3.6% COLA. Your actual payment may differ because of eligibility rules, SSA rounding, Medicare premiums, tax withholding, or other deductions. This is not an official SSA benefit determination — your SSA notice shows your exact amount.
How Much Will Social Security Increase in 2027?
Every beneficiary gets the same 3.6% increase, so the dollar amount depends on your current gross benefit. These are illustrative calculations, not guaranteed individual benefit amounts — they're gross figures before Medicare, tax withholding, or other deductions.
| Current monthly benefit | Increase at 3.6% | New gross monthly | New gross annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | +$36.00 | $1,036.00 | $12,432 |
| $1,500 | +$54.00 | $1,554.00 | $18,648 |
| $2,000 | +$72.00 | $2,072.00 | $24,864 |
| $2,500 | +$90.00 | $2,590.00 | $31,080 |
| $3,000 | +$108.00 | $3,108.00 | $37,296 |
| $4,000 | +$144.00 | $4,144.00 | $49,728 |
| SSA average benefit (January 2027) | Before COLA | After 3.6% COLA |
|---|---|---|
| All retired workers | $2,095 | $2,170 |
| Aged couple, both receiving benefits | $3,238 | $3,355 |
| Widowed mother and two children | $3,932 | $4,074 |
| Aged widow(er) alone | $1,936 | $2,005 |
| Disabled worker, spouse and one or more children | $2,970 | $3,077 |
| All disabled workers | $1,642 | $1,701 |
Who Gets the Social Security Raise for 2027?
- Retirement benefits: +3.6% starting with the January 2027 payment.
- SSDI: the same 3.6%; the average disabled-worker benefit rises from $1,642 to $1,701.
- Survivor benefits: the same 3.6%; an aged widow(er) alone averages $2,005 after the COLA.
- SSI: federal rates rise to $1,029 (individual) and $1,544 (couple), starting with the payment on December 31, 2026. State supplements are set separately.
How Is the COLA Calculated?
By law, SSA compares the average Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for July, August, and September of this year with the same three months of last year. The percentage rise, rounded to the nearest tenth, becomes the COLA.
For 2027, the third-quarter 2026 CPI-W average was 3.6% higher than the third quarter of 2025. The CPI-W tracks prices for working households, not retirees specifically, so your own costs may rise faster or slower. Compare the COLA with your own expenses.
How Social Security COLAs workWhen Will the 2027 Increase Appear?
- October 14, 2026SSA announced the 3.6% COLA after the September CPI report.
- November 18, 2026Deadline to create a my Social Security account and opt into paperless notices to see your COLA notice online.
- Late November 2026COLA notices start appearing in my Social Security Message Centers.
- December 2026Paper COLA notices are mailed to everyone else.
- December 31, 2026January 2027 SSI payment arrives early (January 1 is a holiday) and includes the increase.
- January 2027Social Security retirement, SSDI, and survivor payments include the increase on your usual payment date (people paid on the 3rd receive it on December 31, 2026, because January 3 is a Sunday and January 1 is a holiday).
How to View Your Personalized 2027 COLA Notice
- Sign in or create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount. To see the notice online, set up your account by November 18, 2026. Trouble signing in? See our my Social Security login guide.
- Choose how to get notices in your account's Message Center preferences. You can opt out of the paper version if you prefer to read it online.
- Check the Message Center starting in late November 2026. The notice lists your new gross benefit, Medicare premium, any withholding, and the amount you'll receive.
- No account? SSA mails a paper notice in December 2026.
- Compare it with your January deposit. If the amounts differ or something looks wrong, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or through your account.
SSA won't call, text, or email asking for payment or personal information to deliver your COLA notice. How to spot COLA scams.
Social Security 2027 COLA Increase Chart
Annual COLA by the year the increase was first paid.
2027 is the official 3.6% COLA announced October 14, 2026. Source: SSA COLA history. Full COLA history
Social Security 2027 Increase by State
The federal Social Security COLA is the same percentage in every state. SSA sets it nationally under the statutory formula, so there are no state-by-state COLA raises. Your dollar increase depends on your own benefit amount, not where you live.
What does vary by state: whether your state taxes Social Security benefits, and whether it adds a supplement to SSI. Those are separate from the federal COLA. The 2027 federal SSI rate is $1,029 for an individual and $1,544 for a couple.
| State | 2027 federal COLA | State tax on Social Security | SSI state supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Alaska | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Arizona | 3.6% | Not taxed | No state supplement |
| Arkansas | 3.6% | Not taxed | No state supplement |
| California | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Colorado | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Connecticut | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Delaware | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| District of Columbia | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Florida | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Georgia | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Hawaii | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Idaho | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Illinois | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Indiana | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Iowa | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Kansas | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Kentucky | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Louisiana | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Maine | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Maryland | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Massachusetts | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Michigan | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Minnesota | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Mississippi | 3.6% | Not taxed | No state supplement |
| Missouri | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Montana | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Nebraska | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Nevada | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| New Hampshire | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| New Jersey | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| New Mexico | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| New York | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| North Carolina | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| North Dakota | 3.6% | Not taxed | No state supplement |
| Ohio | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Oklahoma | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Oregon | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Pennsylvania | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Rhode Island | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| South Carolina | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| South Dakota | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Tennessee | 3.6% | Not taxed | No state supplement |
| Texas | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Utah | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Vermont | 3.6% | Partially taxed | Supplement (SSA-administered) |
| Virginia | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Washington | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| West Virginia | 3.6% | Not taxed | No state supplement |
| Wisconsin | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
| Wyoming | 3.6% | Not taxed | Supplement (state-administered) |
Maximum Social Security Benefit in 2027 by Age
The maximum isn't set by the COLA alone. It depends on earnings history (maximum-taxable earnings every year), claiming age, and the year you retire. Figures below assume retirement in January of each year.
| Claiming age | 2026 maximum | 2027 maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | $2,969 | $3,094 |
| Full retirement age (67) | $4,152 | $4,188 |
| 70 | $5,181 | $5,358 |
Source: SSA Office of the Chief Actuary maximum-taxable benefit examples and the 2026 and 2027 COLA fact sheets. See how claiming age changes your benefit
Will Medicare Deductions Affect My Increase?
The 3.6% COLA applies to your gross benefit — the amount before anything is taken out. Your deposit is what remains after deductions, so it usually rises by less than 3.6%. Common deductions:
- Medicare Part B premium — $202.90 in 2026. The Medicare Trustees project about $209.50 for 2027, but CMS has not announced the final 2027 premium. Higher-income beneficiaries may also pay IRMAA surcharges.
- Voluntary federal tax withholding (7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%) — a percentage of the gross benefit, so it grows when the benefit grows.
- Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage premiums, if you have them deducted.
- Garnishments or overpayment recovery, which SSA explains in a notice.
Example: $2,000 benefit, Part B deducted, 10% federal withholding
| Gross COLA increase (3.6%) | +$72.00 |
| Projected Part B increase (not final) | −$6.60 |
| Extra 10% withholding on the increase | −$7.20 |
| Change in monthly deposit | +$58.20 |
Your personalized COLA notice (late November 2026 online, December by mail) shows your exact new gross benefit, deductions, and deposit.
Other Social Security Changes in 2027
Confirmed amounts from SSA's 2027 COLA fact sheet. These are separate from the COLA: the SSI rates and benefit amounts rise with the 3.6% COLA, while the taxable maximum, earnings-test limits, work credits, and disability thresholds are indexed to national average wage growth. The 2027 Medicare Part B premium is not included because CMS has not announced it.
| Amount | 2026 | 2027 | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum taxable earnings (Social Security) | $184,500 | $192,300 | Workers paying payroll tax |
| Quarter of coverage | $1,890 | $1,970 | Workers earning credits |
| Earnings test — under full retirement age | $24,480/yr | $25,560/yr | Working beneficiaries under FRA ($1 withheld per $2 over) |
| Earnings test — year you reach FRA | $65,160/yr | $67,920/yr | Working beneficiaries reaching FRA ($1 withheld per $3 over) |
| Substantial gainful activity (non-blind) | $1,690/mo | $1,770/mo | SSDI beneficiaries |
| Substantial gainful activity (blind) | $2,830/mo | $2,950/mo | SSDI beneficiaries who are blind |
| Trial work period | $1,210/mo | $1,270/mo | SSDI beneficiaries testing work |
| SSI federal payment — individual | $994/mo | $1,029/mo | SSI recipients |
| SSI federal payment — couple | $1,491/mo | $1,544/mo | SSI couples |
| Maximum benefit at full retirement age | $4,152/mo | $4,188/mo | Workers with maximum-taxable earnings |
What the 2027 Limits Mean for You
Retirement earnings test
If you claim before full retirement age (FRA) and keep working, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $25,560 in 2027. In the calendar year you reach FRA, the limit is $67,920, SSA withholds $1 for every $3 above it, and only earnings before the month you reach FRA count. From that month on, there is no limit.
Withheld benefits aren't lost: at FRA, SSA recalculates your monthly benefit to credit the months that were withheld. In your first year of retirement, a special monthly rule can pay a full benefit for any month your earnings stay under $2,130.
Taxable maximum ($192,300)
The 6.2% Social Security payroll tax applies only to earnings up to $192,300 in 2027. Earnings above that aren't taxed for Social Security — and don't count toward your benefit. The 1.45% Medicare tax has no cap. If you work for two employers and overpay, you can claim the excess back. Social Security tax refunds
Work credits ($1,970 per credit)
You earn one credit for each $1,970 of earnings in 2027, up to four credits a year ($7,880). Most people need 40 credits to qualify for retirement benefits.
SSDI work limits
Earning more than $1,770 a month ($2,950 if blind) generally counts as substantial work after your trial work period. Any month you earn over $1,270 uses one of your nine trial work months, during which benefits continue regardless of earnings.
Which 2027 Changes Affect SSI vs. Retirement Benefits?
| Change | Retirement, survivor & SSDI | SSI |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6% COLA | Yes — added to your benefit | Yes — federal payment rises |
| First increased payment | January 2027, on your usual date | December 31, 2026 |
| SSI federal rate | No | $1,029 individual / $1,544 couple |
| State supplement | No | Depends on your state |
| Earnings test ($25,560 / $67,920) | Yes, if under full retirement age and working | No — SSI uses its own income rules |
| SSDI work limits ($1,770 / $1,270) | SSDI only | Different SSI work rules apply |
| Medicare Part B premium | Usually deducted from your benefit | Often paid by the state if you have Medicaid |
| Taxable maximum ($192,300) | Only if you're still working | Only if you're still working |
If you receive both Social Security and SSI, the COLA on your Social Security counts as income, so your SSI payment may not rise by the full amount.
Does a 3.6% COLA Keep Up With Your Living Costs?
Not necessarily. The COLA raises every benefit by the same percentage based on the CPI-W, an average of prices paid by working households. If your rent, medical bills, or insurance rise faster than 3.6%, the increase won't cover them — and a higher Medicare premium takes part of the raise before it reaches your account. If your costs rise more slowly, you come out ahead.
Inflation impact calculator: does the COLA cover your costs?Does the 2027 COLA Affect VA Disability Benefits?
Expected, but not yet official. Unlike Social Security, VA disability compensation doesn't rise automatically. Each year Congress passes a law directing VA to raise compensation, dependents' amounts, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) by the same percentage as Social Security. For 2027 that bill is the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 (H.R. 8552 / S. 4487).
Status as of October 16, 2026: Not yet law. The House bill was forwarded by subcommittee to the full Veterans' Affairs Committee on June 30, 2026; the Senate bill is in committee. If it passes as written, VA rates rise 3.6% effective December 1, 2026, with the first higher payment on December 31, 2026. Last year's act became law on November 25, 2025. Military retired pay, by contrast, adjusts automatically.
| VA disability compensation | Social Security / SSDI | |
|---|---|---|
| How the COLA is set | Congress passes a bill each year matching the Social Security percentage | Automatic under the Social Security Act, based on CPI-W |
| 2027 status | Expected 3.6% — pending Congress | 3.6% — confirmed by SSA |
| Effective / first payment | Effective December 1, 2026 if passed; first higher payment December 31, 2026 | January 2027 payments (SSI: December 31, 2026) |
| Based on | Service-connected disability rating and dependents | Your earnings record (or financial need, for SSI) |
| Paid | First business day of the month, for the prior month | By birthday on Wednesdays, the 3rd, or the 1st for SSI |
| Can you get both? | Yes — VA disability compensation does not reduce Social Security retirement or SSDI | SSI counts VA compensation as income and may be reduced |
More 2027 Social Security Guides
Frequently asked questions
Related guides & tools
Official Primary Data Sources
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. The 2027 Medicare Part B premium is still a projection until CMS announces it.
October 14, 2026 press release announcing the 2027 COLA.
2027 SSI rates, earnings test, taxable maximum, and average benefits.
Official COLA announcements and fact sheets.
How the COLA is calculated from third-quarter CPI-W averages.
Intermediate assumptions, including the 2.4% 2027 COLA projection.
2026 COLA of 2.8%, average benefits, SSI rates, and FRA maximum.
Maximum benefits at 62, 67, and 70 by year of retirement.
2026 SSI federal rates and which states supplement SSI.
September 2026 CPI — the final month used for the 2027 COLA.