Social Security and SSI benefits will rise 3.6% for 2027, about $75 a month for the average retired worker, according to SSA. To read your personal COLA notice online in late November, you need a my Social Security account with paperless notices by November 18; otherwise the notice arrives by mail in December.
Key facts: About 72 million Social Security beneficiaries get the 3.6% increase starting in January 2027. About 7.3 million SSI recipients see it starting December 31, 2026. · SSA estimates the average retired worker's benefit will go from $2,095 to $2,170 a month. · As of November 2, CMS had not announced the 2027 Medicare Part B premium. For many people on Medicare, it's deducted from the Social Security payment, so it affects the net amount.
The Social Security Administration announced on October 14, 2026 that benefits will rise 3.6% in 2027. As of today, Monday, November 2, there's one date left that's easy to miss: November 18, the deadline to set up online access if you want to read your personal COLA notice before the paper copy arrives.
CNBC's coverage of the announcement noted it's the largest increase since 2023. Here's what the agency's own documents say.
The Numbers
According to SSA's press release and 2027 COLA fact sheet:
- Who gets it: nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries, starting with January 2027 benefits, and about 7.3 million SSI recipients, starting December 31, 2026. Some people get both.
- Average retired worker: an estimated $2,095 a month before the COLA and $2,170 after, about $75 more.
- Aged couple, both receiving benefits: an estimated $3,238 before and $3,355 after.
- SSI federal payment standard: $1,029 a month for an individual and $1,544 for a couple, up from $994 and $1,491.
The COLA is tied by law to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). For 2026, the increase was 2.8%. CNBC suggests a simple way to estimate your own increase: multiply your current monthly benefit by 0.036.
Still Working? A Few Other Numbers Changed
The same fact sheet updates figures for people who work while collecting benefits or who are still paying in:
- Earnings test, under full retirement age: $25,560 a year in 2027, up from $24,480. SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above that.
- The year you reach full retirement age: $67,920, up from $65,160, with $1 withheld for every $3 above it (counting only earnings before the month you reach full retirement age).
- Maximum taxable earnings: $192,300, up from $184,500.
Your Notice: Online in Late November or by Mail in December
SSA says the notice will be a one-page letter showing your exact new benefit amount, payment dates and any deductions.
- Online: If you have a personal my Social Security account, you can see the notice in the Message Center starting in late November, up to three weeks before the mailed copy. If you don't have an account yet, SSA says you need to create one and enroll in paperless notices by November 18 to see the notice online.
- By mail: Everyone else gets the notice by mail in December. CNBC notes SSA's advice to make sure the agency has your current address.
The Fine Print: The 3.6% applies to your benefit before deductions, so your deposit might not rise by the full amount. Medicare Part B premiums are often taken out of Social Security payments, and as of November 2, CMS had not announced the 2027 premium. The 2026 standard premium is $202.90 a month. CNBC reports that the Medicare trustees project $209.50 for 2027, but that's a projection, not the official figure.
What This Means for You
This is general education, not advice. A few practical points:
- You don't need to apply. The increase is automatic. SSA's notice will show the new amount.
- Online access is optional. If you'd like to see your notice early, set up your account and turn on paperless notices before November 18. If you prefer paper, you don't need to do anything except keep your address current.
- Wait for the full picture before budgeting. If you're on Medicare, SSA says your 2027 premium amount will also appear in the Message Center starting in late November. Your notice will show the net figure.
- Watch for scams. SSA's notice comes through your account or by mail. Be cautious with anyone who calls, texts or emails offering to "get" your raise for a fee.
Have a question about Social Security or Medicare timing? Send it to us, and we may cover it in a future article.
This article is general education, not tax, legal or financial advice. Figures come from SSA and CMS and can change. Check your own notice and ssa.gov for your situation.
Sources:
- SSA: Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027 (Oct. 14, 2026)
- SSA: 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet
- CNBC: Social Security Administration announces 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 (Oct. 14, 2026)
- Medicare.gov: Medicare costs (2026 Part B premium)
- CMS Newsroom
Frequently asked questions
When will I see the 3.6% increase?
Social Security beneficiaries see it in benefits starting in January 2027. SSI recipients see it starting December 31, 2026, according to SSA.
Do I have to apply for the COLA?
No. SSA applies the cost-of-living adjustment automatically. Your notice shows your new amount and any deductions.
