Social Security COLA 2027 Guide: 3.6% Increase & Payment Schedule

What Does the 2027 COLA Mean for You?

Each October, SSA sets the next year's cost-of-living adjustment so that benefits keep pace with inflation. The 2027 adjustment affects about 76 million people who receive Social Security, SSI, or both. This guide explains the new figures, when higher payments arrive, how the increase is calculated, and what changes for people receiving or applying for disability benefits. Every figure below comes directly from SSA publications.

What Are the Key Highlights of the 2027 COLA?

Average benefit figures are SSA estimates. Individual payment amounts vary.

How Do 2027 Social Security Benefits Compare With 2026?

The table below shows SSA's estimated average monthly benefits payable in January 2027, before and after the 3.6% COLA. These are averages across all beneficiaries in each group, not guaranteed amounts for any individual. For last year's adjustment, see our Social Security COLA 2026 benefits increase guide.

Source: SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet. Figures are SSA estimates.

Source: SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet. The maximum benefit applies to a worker who first claims at full retirement age with maximum taxable earnings over a career; it is not raised by the COLA percentage alone.

How Much Will SSDI and SSI Increase in 2027?

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is an earned benefit based on a worker's past Social Security-covered employment. Each SSDI payment rises by 3.6%. SSA estimates the average disabled-worker benefit will increase from $1,642 to $1,701 per month, according to the 2027 Fact Sheet. Your own increase depends on your current benefit amount.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The federal SSI payment standard rises to $1,029 per month for an individual and $1,544 for an eligible couple. This is the maximum federal amount. Many recipients receive less because countable income reduces the payment, and some states add a separate supplement.

When Will 2027 COLA Payments Begin?

• Social Security retirement, survivor, and SSDI benefits: the increase begins with benefits received in January 2027.
• SSI: the increase begins with the payment dated December 31, 2026, which is the SSI payment for January 2027.

Your exact payment date in January still follows your normal schedule. SSA says COLA notices are available online through the Message Center of a personal my Social Security account for people who created an account and opted into paperless notices by November 18, 2026. Other beneficiaries receive their notice by mail in December. SSA asks people to wait until January before contacting the agency about a mailed notice (SSA FAQ).

Medicare premiums can be deducted from Social Security payments, which affects net deposits. SSA states that 2027 Medicare information will be available at Medicare.gov, and Medicare enrollees will see their premium amount in their COLA notice.

How Is the Social Security COLA Calculated?

The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), published by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. SSA compares the average CPI-W for the third quarter (July through September) of the current year with the same period of the prior year. For 2027, that comparison of the third quarter of 2026 against the third quarter of 2025 produced the 3.6% increase.

COLAs have been based on increases in the cost of living since 1975. SSA's Office of the Chief Actuary publishes the full COLA summary and history, and the next COLA is scheduled to be announced in October 2027.

Does the 2027 COLA Affect Disability Eligibility?

The COLA does not change the medical standard for disability. SSA still evaluates whether a condition prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. If you are researching how specific impairments are evaluated, our guide to disability conditions explains common qualifying conditions.

Several work-related thresholds do change in 2027, according to the SSA Fact Sheet:

• SGA: earnings above $1,770 per month (non-blind) or $2,950 per month (blind) generally indicate substantial gainful activity.
• Trial Work Period: a month counts toward the trial work period when earnings exceed $1,270.
• SSI resources: the limits stay at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.

How these limits apply depends on your work history, income, and the program you receive.

Where Can You Find Reliable Social Security Information?

The most reliable sources are SSA's own publications: the SSA COLA information page, the annual fact sheet, and your personal COLA notice. Be cautious with social media posts promising "bonus" checks or unofficial payment amounts, and never share your Social Security number in response to unsolicited messages. If you need to visit SSA in person, see our guide to Social Security Office Locations by State.

Which Official Government Sources Are Cited on This Page?

• Social Security Administration. Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027, October 14, 2026.
• Social Security Administration. 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet, October 2026.
• Social Security Administration. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information.
• SSA Office of the Chief Actuary. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Summary.
• Social Security Administration. How much will the COLA amount be for 2027 and when will I receive it?, October 14, 2026.

All benefit figures, thresholds, and dates were checked against these SSA sources. Average benefit amounts are SSA estimates. Sources last reviewed: October 27, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About COLA 2027