Retirees could be up for a bigger Social Security increase next year. The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the 2027 COLA, or cost-of-living adjustment, on Oct. 14.
Current forecasts project an increase of 3.4% to 3.6%, higher than the 2.8% increase beneficiaries received in 2026. COLA helps Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation. A COLA of 3.5% to 3.6% could boost the average retiree's benefit by about $70 a month, though the exact increase often depends on the person's benefit level.
The final percentage won't be known until October. Here's what forecasters say.
What current predictions suggest for Social Security COLA in 2027
Current forecasts for the 2027 COLA range from 3.4% to 3.6%. The Senior Citizens League projects a 3.6% increase, while AARP estimates 3.5%. USA TODAY
reports retirees could see a 3.4% increase, compared to the 2.8% COLA beneficiaries received in 2026.
Here are the estimated monthly increases under a 3.6% COLA, according to The Motley Fool:
- Retired workers: $75 in additional monthly income
- Spouses: $36
- Survivors: $59
- Disabled workers: $59
A larger COLA may help retirees offset higher costs for housing, health care and transportation.
How Social Security calculates COLA
According to the Social Security Administration, the agency calculates COLA using inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W.
The 2027 COLA is based on inflation measured during July, August and September 2026. Higher inflation during those months generally results in a larger benefit increase.
When will September Social Security checks arrive?
Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of each month will receive their Social Security checks on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, according to the SSA's payment calendar, while SSI payments are issued on the first business day of the month.
These are the dates for SSI payments for 2026:
- Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 (Check for October 2026)
- Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 (Check for November 2026)
- Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 (Check for December 2026)
- Friday, Dec. 31, 2026 (Check for January 2027)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here's how much the 2027 Social Security COLA increase could be
