Social Security Benefits to Rise 3.6% in 2027, With Average Retired Worker Gaining About $75 a Month

Social Security 3.6% cost-of-living increase 2027, Digi Mart USA News: Social Security beneficiaries will see a 3.6% cost-of-living increase in 2027, according to the Social Security Administration. The average retired worker’s monthly benefit is expected to rise by approximately $75.

The adjustment will begin with January payments for nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries nationwide. Increased Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for approximately 7.3 million recipients will begin December 31, 2026. About 76 million people will receive the adjustment across the two programs, though some people receive both benefits, so the totals overlap.

The estimated average monthly retirement benefit will increase from $2,095 to $2,170. For an aged couple with both spouses receiving benefits, the estimated average combined payment will rise from $3,238 to $3,355. The estimated average monthly benefit for disabled workers will increase from $1,642 to $1,701.

Federal maximum SSI payments will rise to $1,029 monthly for an eligible individual and $1,544 for an eligible couple. Actual payments depend on eligibility and other countable income, according to SSA’s 2027 fact sheet.

Beneficiaries can review their individual increase through a personal my Social Security account. Online cost-of-living notices are scheduled to become available in late November.

People who want online access to their notice must create an account and enroll in paperless notices by November 18. Account holders can also choose email or text alerts when a new message is available.

The November 18 deadline applies only to online access to the notice. Beneficiaries do not need an online account to receive the benefit increase.

Those who have not selected paperless delivery will receive their notice by mail in December.

The simplified, one-page notice will show each person’s new benefit amount, payment information and deductions. Medicare premiums and other deductions can affect the amount deposited, so recipients should review their personalized notice rather than assume they will receive the average $75 increase.

The annual adjustment is determined under federal law using changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Residents can create or access an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and find more information at ssa.gov/cola.