Social Security and SSI benefits will rise 3.6% from January 2027, the Social Security Administration announced on 14 October 2026. It is the largest cost-of-living adjustment since 2023 and up from 2.8% this year.
With prices still rising, and a hot October inflation report pushing the Fed towards a rate hike, many of the roughly 70 million Americans who receive benefits are asking two questions: how much will I actually get, and how much will Medicare take back?
The short version
- COLA: 3.6% for 2027, up from 2.8%.
- Average retirement benefit: about $2,095 to $2,170 a month, roughly $75 more.
- Medicare Part B: projected to rise from $202.90 to $209.50 a month (+$6.60). CMS has not published the final figure yet.
- First higher payments: January 2027 for Social Security. SSI recipients get their first raised payment on 31 December 2026.
- Taxable maximum: earnings up to $192,300 are subject to Social Security tax, up from $184,500.
- Earnings test: if you are under full retirement age and working, $1 is withheld for every $2 earned above $25,560.
How much will my Social Security check go up in 2027?
Multiply your current monthly benefit before deductions by 1.036.
| Monthly benefit now | 2027 benefit (3.6%) | Monthly increase |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200 | $1,243 | +$43 |
| $1,800 | $1,865 | +$65 |
| $2,095 (average retiree) | $2,170 | +$75 |
| $2,800 | $2,901 | +$101 |
| $3,500 | $3,626 | +$126 |
Then subtract any increase in your Medicare Part B premium, which is usually deducted from your check.
How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2027?
The Medicare Trustees project the standard Part B premium will rise $6.60, from $202.90 to $209.50 a month. CMS normally confirms the figure in the autumn, so treat it as a projection until then.
For the average retiree, that leaves about $68 of the $75 raise in their pocket.
What is the hold-harmless rule?
For most people, the law stops a Part B premium increase from cutting their net Social Security payment below what it was the year before. With a $75 average raise and a $6.60 premium rise, few people will need it in 2027. It does not protect you if you:
- pay the higher income-related premium (IRMAA)
- are new to Medicare in 2027
- do not have your premium deducted from your Social Security
- have your premium paid by your state
Social Security changes for 2027 at a glance
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living adjustment | 2.8% | 3.6% |
| Average retirement benefit | $2,095 | about $2,170 |
| Maximum taxable earnings | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Earnings test, under full retirement age | $24,480 | $25,560 |
| Earnings test, year you reach full retirement age | $65,160 | $67,920 |
| Earnings for one work credit | $1,890 | $1,970 |
| SSDI substantial gainful activity (non-blind) | $1,690 a month | $1,770 a month |
| SSDI substantial gainful activity (blind) | $2,830 a month | $2,950 a month |
Full retirement age is now 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
New names for claiming ages
Under the Claiming Age Clarity Act, the SSA is relabelling claiming ages: 62 becomes the "minimum monthly benefit age", full retirement age becomes the "standard monthly benefit age", and 70 becomes the "maximum monthly benefit age". The rules do not change, only the names, which are meant to make it clearer that claiming early locks in a smaller check.
Is 3.6% enough to keep up with inflation?
It depends on what you spend money on. The COLA is based on the CPI for urban wage earners from July to September, which does not weight healthcare or housing the way retirees' budgets do. Food rose 0.5% and electricity 0.9% in October alone. For many retirees, the real test will be whether 2027 prices for groceries, utilities and insurance rise faster than 3.6%.
What should I check?
- Your my Social Security account. Your personal COLA notice appears in the online message centre in December.
- Your Medicare plan. Medicare open enrollment runs until 7 December 2026. Part D and Medicare Advantage costs change every year.
- Your withholding. A higher benefit can push more of it into taxable income. Check whether your federal withholding is still right.
- Your earnings, if you work and are under full retirement age. The higher limits mean you can earn more before benefits are withheld.
This is general information. The SSA and Medicare are the authority on your benefit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Social Security COLA for 2027?
3.6%, announced on 14 October 2026 and effective with January 2027 payments.
How much is the average Social Security check in 2027?
About $2,170 a month for retired workers, up from $2,095, according to the SSA's estimate as reported by AARP.
What is the Medicare Part B premium for 2027?
Projected at $209.50 a month, up from $202.90. The final figure is due from CMS this autumn.
When will I get my first 2027 Social Security payment?
In January 2027, on your normal payment date. SSI recipients get their first increased payment on 31 December 2026.
Sources
AARP on 2027 Social Security changes; Medical Daily on the projected Part B premium; Social Security Administration COLA information; CNBC on October CPI components. Benefit table calculated by RNM. As of 15 November 2026.
