Social Security announces 3.6% COLA for 2027
The gist
Social Security announced a 3.6% COLA for 2027, the largest since 2023.
It lifts benefits $75 a month on average, but Medicare may eat the gain.
How it unfolded
- Oct 14, 2026SSA announced a 3.6% COLA for 2027 after September inflation data showed CPI up 3.7% year over year.
- Oct 14, 2026SSA said the adjustment raises retirement benefits by $75 per month on average and reaches nearly 72 million beneficiaries starting in January 2027.
- Oct 14, 2026SSA said increased SSI payments for about 7.3 million people begin December 31, 2026, and the payroll-tax earnings cap rises to $192,300 from $184,500.