20XXPublic guides

Guide 07

Social Security is going up 3.6 percent in 2027

Short answerSocial Security and SSI benefits rise 3.6 percent in 2027. SSI recipients see it on December 31, 2026, and Social Security beneficiaries see it in January 2027. Your exact new amount appears in your my Social Security Message Center in late November 2026.

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What changes

The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2027. It applies to both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The COLA is tied to inflation, measured by a consumer price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

When the money arrives

  1. SSI recipients. The higher payment starts December 31, 2026.
  2. Social Security beneficiaries. The increase starts with benefits payable in January 2027.
  3. If you get both, each part follows its own schedule above.

See your new amount

  1. Sign in to, or create, your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
  2. In late November 2026, open the Message Center. SSA says most people who created an account by November 18, 2026 will find their COLA notice there.
  3. If you have Medicare, SSA says your new 2027 amount, after any Medicare premium change, comes in December through the mailed notice and the Message Center.

Other 2027 numbers from SSA

  • The most earnings subject to Social Security tax rises to $192,300.
  • The earnings limit for workers younger than full retirement age rises to $25,560.
  • The earnings limit for people reaching full retirement age in 2027 rises to $67,920.

Watch for scams

SSA says its services are free. Nobody from a real agency will ask for an advance fee, a wire transfer, or gift cards to give you your increase. Do not click links or open attachments in messages that claim to be about your COLA. Report suspected fraud at oig.ssa.gov/report.

Official sources

Common questions

  • How much is the 2027 Social Security increase?

    The Social Security Administration says Social Security and SSI benefits will increase 3.6 percent in 2027. It affects about 76 million people.

  • When will I see the higher payment?

    SSA says the increase starts with Social Security benefits payable in January 2027. Higher SSI payments begin on December 31, 2026.

  • How do I find my exact new benefit amount?

    SSA says COLA notices will be available online in late November 2026 in the Message Center of your my Social Security account, for most people who created an account by November 18, 2026. A mailed notice also comes in December.

  • Does the earnings limit change if I work while getting benefits?

    Yes. For 2027, SSA lists an earnings limit of $25,560 for people younger than full retirement age, with $1 withheld for every $2 earned over it. For people reaching full retirement age in 2027, the limit is $67,920, with $1 withheld for every $3 over it. There is no limit once you are at full retirement age for the whole year.

  • Someone called saying I must pay a fee to get my increase. Is that real?

    No. SSA says its services are free and no government agency will ask for advance fees by wire transfer or gift card. You can report suspected Social Security fraud at oig.ssa.gov/report.