Social Security 2027 COLA Seen at 3.5%-3.6% as Inflation Lifts Biggest Increase Since 2023
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Sep 25
Social Security 2027 COLA Seen at 3.5%-3.6% as Inflation Lifts Biggest Increase Since 2023
2 articles · Updated · Yahoo Finance · Sep 25
Summary
Advocacy groups estimate Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living adjustment at 3.5% to 3.6%, above 2026’s 2.8% and the largest increase since the 8.7% jump for 2023.
Oct. 14 will bring the official COLA after September CPI-W data, but recent inflation has already pointed higher as fuel, technology and other consumer costs accelerate.
U.S. diesel above $6.50 a gallon has amplified price pressures, with Mideast fighting, Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, AI-driven chip shortages and renewed tariffs all cited as drivers.
Average retired-worker benefits of $2,071 a month would rise by about $72.49 to $74.56 under those estimates, while New Jersey’s $2,256 median check would gain roughly $79 to $81.
That larger adjustment matters beyond retirees: older Americans hold roughly $90 trillion in wealth, and analysts say their spending power has helped keep the U.S. economy resilient.