By SNN Newsroom | October 14, 2026
The Social Security Administration announced Wednesday that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will increase 3.6% for 2027, affecting approximately 76 million Americans. The agency estimates that the average monthly retirement benefit will rise by about $75.
Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will receive the cost-of-living adjustment beginning with payments payable in January 2027. Approximately 7.3 million people receiving Supplemental Security Income will see increased payments starting December 31, 2026. Some people receive both benefits, so the recipient totals overlap.
The 2027 adjustment follows the statutory formula based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Each recipient’s actual dollar change may differ from the average because it depends on their current benefit and applicable deductions.
Social Security says personalized COLA notices will become available online through my Social Security accounts starting in late November; paper notices are planned for December. The agency says the maximum annual earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes will rise to $192,300 in 2027, from $184,500 in 2026.
Details about 2027 Medicare premiums will be published separately, so beneficiaries should not assume the gross benefit increase equals the change in take-home monthly payments.
Primary sources: Social Security Administration, October 14 announcement; 2027 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet.
