2027 COLA: Key Social Security deadline looms for people wanting to learn new benefits early

Social Security benefits are increasing 3.6% in 2027. For most people, higher checks will hit accounts in January, though Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their first cost-of-living adjustment checks in late December, due to the New Years Day holiday.

The COLA means an additional $75 a month for the average retired worker and an additional $59 a month for disability and survivor beneficiaries.

The Social Security Administration will mail COLA notifications in December but beneficiaries who have a “my Social Security Account” and are enrolled in paperless notices can access their 2027 COLA notice online in late November, up to three weeks before paper notices arrive by mail.

To get the information online, you will need to set up your “my Social Security Account” enroll for paperless notices by Nov. 18.

You can go here to see more on setting up your account.

What is COLA?

The purpose of the COLA is to ensure the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not eroded by inflation, which has remained elevated throughout 2026. Congress enacted the COLA provision as part of the 1972 Social Security Amendments, and automatic changes began in 1975. Before that, benefits were increased only when Congress enacted special legislation.

2027’s 3.6% COLA for 2027 is the highest in four years. The COLA is 0.8% higher than last year’s increase of 2.8%. It’s the largest increase since the 8.7% boost in 2022 in the wake of inflation during the COVID pandemic.