The 2027 COLA at a glance
On October 14, 2026, the SSA announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027. It reaches nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries beginning with their January 2027 benefits, and SSI recipients get the same percentage. The 2026 COLA was 2.8%.
What it adds to a monthly check
The table applies 3.6% to a range of gross monthly benefits. Your own benefit depends on your earnings record and the age you claimed, so find the closest row.
Monthly Social Security benefit before and after the 2027 COLA
| Benefit in 2026 | Benefit in 2027 | Extra per month | Extra per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $800 | $829 | +$29 | +$346 |
| $1,200 | $1,243 | +$43 | +$518 |
| $1,600 | $1,658 | +$58 | +$691 |
| $2,000 | $2,072 | +$72 | +$864 |
| $2,500 | $2,590 | +$90 | +$1,080 |
| $3,000 | $3,108 | +$108 | +$1,296 |
Our own estimate using Gliora's COLA logic: gross benefit × 1.036. The SSA's official amounts can differ slightly because of rounding. Before Medicare premiums and taxes.
On a $2,000 benefit, the COLA adds about $72 a month, or $864 over a year. Two COLAs back to back compound: 2.8% followed by 3.6% is a cumulative 6.5% increase, which turns $2,000 into roughly $2,130.
Read the number carefully
A COLA keeps benefits in step with consumer prices; it does not make you richer by itself. It is also a gross figure. Medicare Part B premiums are normally taken out of the check, and if your total income is high enough, part of your benefit is taxable. For an exact take-home figure, use the amount on your SSA notice rather than the percentage alone.
If you are still working: a higher wage base
The maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax rises from $184,500 to $192,300 in 2027, an increase of $7,800. At the 6.2% employee rate, the most an employee pays in Social Security tax goes from $11,439 to $11,923, a difference of $484. Only people earning above the old cap notice it.
Also, the amount you can earn before benefits are withheld rises if you claim before full retirement age: the SSA lists $25,560 a year for 2027, up from $24,480.
Plan around it
If you are still working, see how your pay translates to a paycheck with our paycheck calculator, and test your savings path with the 401(k) calculator. Retirees weighing housing costs can check how much house they can afford.
For guidance only, not financial or tax advice.
Sources
- Social Security Administration: Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027 (October 14, 2026).
- Social Security Administration: 2027 COLA fact sheet (taxable maximum, earnings test).
- Social Security Administration: 2026 COLA fact sheet (2.8% COLA, $184,500 taxable maximum).