Social Security COLA rises 3.6% for 2027, lifting checks by $75
What's new: About 72 million recipients get higher benefits in January, while 7.3 million SSI payments increase starting Dec. 31.
The Social Security Administration set a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, giving retirement beneficiaries an average monthly increase of $75. The change will apply to about 76 million Americans receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income. Around 72 million Social Security recipients will see bigger checks in January, while roughly 7.3 million SSI beneficiaries will get higher payments starting Dec. 31. The increase is the largest since 2023 and follows a 2.8% COLA for 2026. The agency released the adjustment alongside fresh inflation data showing consumer prices rose 3.7% over the past year, with gas prices contributing to the increase.