Social Security to Announce 2027 COLA in October after 2.8% 2026 Increase
Updated
Updated · WSLS 10 · Sep 20
Social Security to Announce 2027 COLA in October after 2.8% 2026 Increase
3 articles · Updated · WSLS 10 · Sep 20
Summary
October 2026 will bring the official 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, with September inflation data serving as the final input to the formula.
The SSA bases the annual COLA on the average CPI-W for July through September, comparing that third-quarter reading with the prior benchmark year.
A 3.5% increase on the average $2,071 monthly retired-worker benefit would add about $72.49, lifting it to roughly $2,143.49, though the actual 2027 COLA is still unknown.
Inflation is still pressuring budgets: consumer prices rose 3.4% through August 2026, including 16.3% for energy, while Medicare Part B premiums already climbed to $202.90 a month in 2026.
That means even a larger Social Security check may not translate into much extra spending power once housing, food, utilities, health care and future Medicare costs are factored in.