SC retirees 2027 Social Security COLA still undecided. How much it could be
In South Carolina, more than 1 million residents receive Social Security benefits, and many could see a modest boost to their monthly checks in 2027.
Early projections place the Social Security cost‑of‑living adjustment between 3.2% and 3.6%, which would amount to roughly $70 to $75 more per month for the average beneficiary, as reported by The News Journal, which is part of the USA TODAY Network. Those estimates remain unofficial as of August 2025 and could change as additional inflation reports are released.
According to analysts, the projection sets the stage for how South Carolina and U.S. retirees, disabled workers and survivors who receive Social Security benefits may navigate the year ahead.
How much is 2027 Social Security COLA? Inflation trends may impact benefits
The final cost-of-living figure will depend on inflation trends over the next two months, according to reports from The News Journal.
The U.S. annual inflation rate slowed for a second straight month in July 2026, easing to 3.4% from 3.5% in June. Economists now expect August’s reading to tick higher, with an average predicted value of 3.7% compared to July’s pace.
COLAs are tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), according to USA TODAY. Analysts closely track inflation reports from July, August and September, the months that ultimately determine the following year’s adjustment.
How much could Social Security checks increase in 2027?
As of July 2026, the average monthly retirement benefit stood at about $2,086, holding virtually flat from June’s $2,084.40 and May’s $2,082.76, according to the Social Security Administration.
If the COLA is raised by 3.4%, recipients could see around $71 more in their Social Security checks. If it rises to 3.6%, it means about another $75 per check.
Actual benefit amounts will vary depending on each recipient’s current payment.
When will the 2027 Social Security COLA be announced?
The official 2027 Social Security cost‑of‑living adjustment will be announced on Oct. 14, when third‑quarter inflation data are finalized, according to The News Journal.
The new adjustment starts with benefits paid in January 2027.
Joyce Orlando and Maria Francis with the USA TODAY Network contributed to this report.
Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: SC retirees 2027 Social Security COLA still undecided. How much it could be