Consumer Alert: Social Security benefits are rising, but so is inflation

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Social Security Administration announced late last week that Social Security checks will increase by 3.6% this year.

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income are set to rise more in 2027 than they did for 2026, according to officials. This affects hundreds of thousands of people in the area.

The increase is due to inflation, which has driven up the cost of gas, groceries, electricity and housing.

“As we’ve seen higher prices for gas and groceries, electricity and housing it’s really important that social security goes up to keep up with those rising costs so that folks can continue to pay their bills, keep a roof over their head and food on the table,” said Bill Sweeney, senior vice president at AARP.

The cost of living adjustment, or COLA, means the average Social Security check of $2,095 will go up by $75 to $2,170 starting in January. Officials said this is the biggest jump since 2023 and the fifth largest increase since 1993.

Social Security puts about $90.6 billion into New York’s economy and has lifted 839,000 people out of poverty every year, Sweeney said.

Almost 170,000 people receive Social Security benefits in Monroe County. However, AARP said many still find the increase is not enough.

“When we asked people what they did need, the vast majority said an increase of 5-8% would be enough to help them make their budgets work,” Sweeney said.

The taxable maximum income is also increasing from $184,500 to $192,300, which affects working people as well.

Anyone who wants to verify their cost of living increase can check their “My Social Security” account by clicking here.