Social Security cost of living adjustment 2027 is set - here’s when payments change

A bigger Social Security check is on the way, but beneficiaries will not all see the increase on the same date. The Social Security Administration has confirmed a 3.6% cost of living adjustment for 2027. With the first higher Supplemental Security Income payments scheduled for December 31 this year, followed by adjusted Social Security benefits in January next year.

Social Security COLA 2027: When Will Payments Increase

The timing depends on whether someone receives Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income or both.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will receive the 3.6% cost of living adjustment beginning in January 2027. And about 7.3 million SSI recipients will begin receiving higher payments this year on December 31.

How Much Will Social Security Benefits Rise in 2027

The 3.6% increase will not add the same amount to every person's monthly check because the actual dollar increase depends on the benefit a person currently receives.

The SSA estimates that the average monthly retirement benefit for all retired workers will increase from $2095 to $2170 in January 2027. So that is an increase of about $75 per month.

The agency also estimates that the average monthly benefit for an aged couple in which both people receive benefits will rise from $3238 to $3355.

Note that these amounts are averages not guaranteed payments for every retiree/ couple. Individual benefits differ and applicable deductions can affect the final amount deposited or paid.

When Will You Find Out Your New Social Security Payment

Beneficiaries can check their updated benefit amounts before the higher payments begin.

People with personal my Social Security accounts will be able to view their COLA notices online starting in late November 2026. The SSA also allows account holders to receive text or email alerts when a new notice is available in their account's Message Center.

Those who have not signed up for paperless notices will receive their COLA information by mail in December.

There is also a deadline for people who want to access their notice online. Anyone without a personal account must create one and enroll in paperless notices by November 18 to view the notice online.

The personalized notice will explain the new benefit amount, the dates it applies to and any applicable deductions.

Social Security Changes in 2027: What Else Should You Know

The COLA is not the only Social Security figure changing next year, even the maximum amount of annual earnings subject to Social Security tax will increase from $184500 in 2026 to $192300 in 2027.

The annual earnings limit for workers who remain below full retirement age throughout 2027 will rise to $25560. So for people reaching full retirement age in 2027, the limit will increase to $67920 for earnings received before the month they reach that age.

These limits are separate from the COLA, the cost-of-living adjustment changes benefit payments, while the earnings limits apply to the Social Security retirement earnings test.