2027 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment Changes
Barry Weller
By Bobbi Perez
On October 14th, 2026, the Social Security Administration announced changes to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits. There will be an increase of 3.6% to COLA. This means that the average monthly Social Security payments will increase by $75. This is the biggest adjustment since 2023. This is a stark contrast to 2026 with an increase of 2.8% and 2025 with an increase of 2.5%.
No need to worry about eligibility for COLA. This increase is automatic for everyone receiving Social Security or SSI. SSI beneficiaries will begin receiving payment increases starting December 31st, 2026, and Social Security beneficiaries will begin receiving payment increases starting around the first week of January 2027.
For those still working, the Social Security Administration will also be raising the maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security Tax. The taxable minimum will go from $184,500 in 2026 to $192,300 in 2027.