Social Security COLA 2027: How to check your exact raise online without waiting for a letter

Social Security recipients can check their updated benefit amounts online instead of waiting for a notice to arrive in the mail. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices through the Message Center of eligible beneficiaries’ my Social Security accounts.

The 2027 COLA has not yet been officially announced as of October 14, 2026. Here’s how to check your notice when it becomes available and what to know about the increase.

Social Security COLA 2027: How to check your raise online

The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment today, October 14, after the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases September inflation data at 8:30 a.m. ET. Forecasts before the release ran from 3.2% to 3.6%, which would be the largest raise since the 8.7% increase in 2023.


ALSO READ: Social Security's 3.5% COLA explained: Why seniors say higher heating bills and prescription costs could wipe out their raise

That percentage applies to your gross monthly benefit, meaning the amount before Medicare or any other deductions come out. Add one to the COLA as a decimal, then multiply your current benefit by that number.

A $2,000 benefit at 3.5% becomes $2,070, or $70 more each month before deductions. For comparison, the 2026 COLA was 2.8%, and the 2025 COLA was 2.5%.

Where to find your number online

Your official notice appears in the Message Center of your my Social Security account, and opening an account costs nothing. Last year, notices showed up there in late November, while people on Medicare saw their new amount in December.

You can also switch to online notices when you sign in, so you don’t depend on the mail. Timing is likely similar this year, but confirm dates on ssa.gov.

If you already have an account, sign in now and note your current gross benefit. SSA also resets the earnings limit and taxable maximum each year, and the 2026 taxable maximum is $184,500.


Also Read: Social Security Cola 2027

Why Medicare can shrink your raise

Most beneficiaries aged 65 and older pay their Medicare Part B premium directly from their Social Security check. That means the raise on paper and the raise in your bank account can differ.

The new premium is typically announced in mid-November, and it can rise by a bigger percentage than the COLA. Once it’s public, subtract the increase from your gross raise to get a realistic net figure.

Be careful with texts or emails about your raise. SSA says no government agency or reputable company will ask for personal information or fees by wire transfer or gift card, so sign in directly instead.