3.6%2027 COLA (2.8% in 2026)
+$75Average retirement increase per month
$192,3002027 taxable maximum
$25,5602027 earnings limit under FRA
What was announced
The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% COLA on October 14, 2026. Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see it beginning in January 2027, and about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will see higher payments starting December 31, 2026. On average, retirement benefits rise by about $75 per month. You do not need to apply: the COLA is automatic.
COLA history
| Year | COLA |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.7% |
| 2024 | 3.2% |
| 2025 | 2.5% |
| 2026 | 2.8% |
| 2027 | 3.6% |
What 3.6% looks like in dollars
| Benefit now | After 3.6% COLA | Monthly increase |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $1,036 | +$36 |
| $1,500 | $1,554 | +$54 |
| $2,000 | $2,072 | +$72 |
| $2,500 | $2,590 | +$90 |
These are gross amounts, before the Medicare Part B premium and any tax withholding are taken out.
2026 vs 2027 limits
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum taxable earnings | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Earnings limit, under full retirement age (annual) | $24,480 | $25,560 |
| Earnings limit, year you reach full retirement age | $65,160 | $67,920 |
| Earnings needed for one work credit | $1,890 | $1,970 |
| Disability earnings limit (SGA), non-blind | $1,690/mo | $1,770/mo |
| Disability earnings limit (SGA), blind | $2,830/mo | $2,950/mo |
| Trial work period month | $1,210 | $1,270 |
| Maximum benefit, worker retiring at full retirement age | $4,152/mo | $4,188/mo |
| Maximum benefit, worker retiring at 70 | $5,181/mo | $5,358/mo |
| SSI federal rate, individual | $994/mo | $1,029/mo |
| SSI federal rate, couple | $1,491/mo | $1,544/mo |
| SSI resource limits | $2,000 / $3,000 | $2,000 / $3,000 (unchanged) |
Medicare can eat part of the raise. Most people have the Part B premium deducted from their Social Security check. The 2026 standard premium is $202.90. CMS usually announces the 2027 premium in November, and SSA says your personal 2027 Medicare premium will show in your my Social Security message center starting late November. Your exact 2027 benefit notice follows online or by mail in December.
Scam alert. SSA warns that scammers pretend to be from Social Security and claim they can increase or "activate" your COLA for a fee or personal information. The COLA is automatic. Never pay for it, and do not share your Social Security number or bank details with unsolicited callers.