How to check the 2027 COLA increase for Social Security and SSI: A guide for beneficiaries

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 3.6% starting in January of next year, thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Each October, the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines the COLA based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to decide whether benefits will rise the following year.

The COLA is tied to inflation to help beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power. Generally speaking, when inflation rises, Social Security and SSI benefits rise as well.

On October 14, the SSI announced the largest COLA increase in four years. The adjustment will apply to all payments administered by the agency.

Increased Social Security and SSI payments in 2027: The new benefit amounts

With the 3.6% increase, the average monthly Social Security benefit for all retired workers will rise by about $75, from $2,095 to $2,170.

Per the SSA, average Social Security benefit payments after the 3.6% COLA increase for 2027 will be as follows:

• All retired workers: $2,170
• Elderly couple, both receiving benefits: $3,355
• Widowed mother with two children: $4,074
• Elderly widow(er) living alone: $2,005
• Disabled worker, spouse, and one or more children: $3,077
• All disabled workers: $1,701

Meanwhile, maximum SSI payments will increase from $994 to $1,029 for individuals and from $1,491 to $1,544 per month for couples in which both spouses receive benefits.

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How to check how much you’ll receive next year

It’s important to note that Social Security and SSI benefits are calculated individually based on several factors, meaning each beneficiary receives a different amount.

To estimate your 2027 benefit, you can add 3.6% to your current monthly payment. The SSA will notify beneficiaries of their new benefit amounts in December, either through their “my Social Security” accounts or by mail.

When does the 2027 COLA take effect?

Although the COLA is announced in October, it does not take effect until benefits payable in January 2027. The first increased payments will be distributed on the following dates:

• Thursday, December 31: January 2027 SSI benefits will be issued. The payment is being sent early because New Year’s Day, January 1, is a federal holiday.
• Social Security benefits for recipients who began receiving their monthly payments before May 1997 will also be issued on this date. Those payments are being sent early because January 3 falls on a Sunday.
• Individuals who receive both Social Security and SSI will receive both payments on December 31.

All other Social Security beneficiaries:

• Wednesday, January 13: Benefits for recipients whose birthdays fall between the 1st and the 10th of the month.
• Wednesday, January 20: Benefits for recipients whose birthdays fall between the 11th and the 20th of the month.
• Wednesday, January 27: Benefits for recipients whose birthdays fall between the 21st and the 31st of the month.

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