The confirmed adjustment
Social Security benefits will receive a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, the agency announced October 14. SSA estimates that the average retirement benefit will rise by $75 a month. That average is not a promise about any one recipient’s payment.
When it reaches payments
The adjustment begins in January for Social Security beneficiaries. Increased Supplemental Security Income payments begin December 31, 2026. Some people receive benefits from both programs, so the program names matter when reading the dates.
Watch for the personal notice
SSA says most account holders can view their COLA notice online in late November. People without an account must create one and choose paperless notices by November 18 to receive it online. Paper notices are due in December.
Where the 3.6% comes from
SSA’s calculation page compares the average Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in the third quarter of 2026 with the corresponding 2025 figure. The published averages are 328.746 and 317.265. Their percentage difference, rounded to one decimal place, produces the adjustment. This is a statutory calculation using a defined inflation measure, rather than a separate application recipients must submit. The same page explains the December SSI date: January 1 is a holiday, so the January payment arrives at the end of the preceding month. That early calendar date does not create an additional monthly benefit.
Read beyond the percentage
The personalized notice will show the new benefit amount, dates and deductions. Use that document for household planning rather than applying the average dollar increase to your own check.
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Prepared with AI assistance. Source-based reporting checked on October 23, 2026. This article does not update automatically. Read our editorial standards.
