Social Security’s 2027 COLA is 3.6%; first payments arrive in January
The Social Security Administration says U.S. Social Security and SSI benefits will rise 3.6 percent in 2027. Social Security increases begin with January benefits; the first higher SSI payment is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
News date: October 20, 2026 (SSA announcement: October 14, 2026)
Checked at: October 20, 2026, 10:01 p.m. Bangkok time
The U.S. Social Security Administration says retirement, survivor and disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income will rise 3.6 percent in 2027. The first payment dates differ: Social Security benefits with the adjustment are payable in January, while the higher SSI payment begins on December 31, 2026.
Three key points
- The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment is 3.6 percent for Social Security and SSI recipients.
- The increase starts with January 2027 Social Security benefits; SSI payments with the adjustment begin December 31, 2026.
- SSA estimates the average retired-worker benefit will rise by $75 a month, from $2,095 to $2,170; individual amounts vary.
The two programs have different first payment dates
SSA announced the adjustment on October 14. Its schedule says Social Security beneficiaries will receive the increase with benefits payable in January 2027. For about 7.3 million people receiving SSI, the higher payment begins on December 31, 2026. Some people receive both programs, so the dates should not be treated as interchangeable.
SSA says the adjustment is calculated using the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers from the third quarter of 2025 through the third quarter of 2026. The agency describes the 3.6 percent figure as the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment.
The $75 figure is an average, not an individual guarantee
SSA’s fact sheet estimates that the average monthly retirement benefit for all retired workers will move from $2,095 before the adjustment to $2,170 in January 2027. That is a $75 average increase. A recipient’s own amount depends on their benefit record and any deductions; SSA says the personalized notice will show the new amount and deductions.
For people planning a household budget, the agency’s figures are in U.S. dollars and describe estimated program averages. They do not replace an individual benefit notice.
When to check the personalized notice
SSA says people who create a my Social Security account by November 18 and enroll in paperless notices can view their COLA notice online. The agency says notices for people who are not enrolled in paperless delivery will be mailed in December. The notice includes the recipient’s exact new benefit amount and deductions. Readers can use SSA’s official account service to manage their notices.
This report was checked on October 20, 2026. The latest SSA announcement and its 2027 fact sheet are linked below; no independent benefit calculation is presented.
