Social Security COLA 2027: Forecast & Benefit Calculator
Based on CPI-W data as of April 16, 2026
Next CPI release: May 13, 2026
The average retired worker receives $2024.77/month in 2026.
Your Estimated 2027 Benefit Under 3 Scenarios
Conservative
Source: TSCL
2.8%
New Monthly Benefit
$2,081.40
Monthly
+$56.63
Yearly
+$680
After Medicare Part B*
$1,868/mo
Net change: +$47/mo
Moderate
Source: Johnson
3.2%
New Monthly Benefit
$2,089.50
Monthly
+$64.73
Yearly
+$777
After Medicare Part B*
$1,876/mo
Net change: +$55/mo
High
Source: TSCL April
4%
New Monthly Benefit
$2,105.70
Monthly
+$80.93
Yearly
+$971
After Medicare Part B*
$1,892/mo
Net change: +$71/mo
*Medicare Part B premium: $202.9/mo (2026 actual) → $213.05/mo (2027 projected). Amounts rounded per SSA official rounding rules.
Recent COLA History
Social Security cost-of-living adjustments over the past 10 years, with the current 2027 forecast range.
*2027 value is a forecast range based on current CPI-W data, not an official SSA figure.
What Experts Are Saying
The Senior Citizens League (TSCL)
Projects a 2027 COLA of approximately 2.8%, based on CPI-W trends through early 2026. A revised April estimate suggests it could reach as high as 4.0% if inflation persists.
Mary Johnson, Independent Analyst
Estimates a 3.2% COLA for 2027, citing moderate inflation driven by energy and food costs. This would translate to approximately $64.79 more per month for the average retiree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the projected COLA for 2027?
Based on current CPI-W data, the 2027 Social Security COLA is projected to be between 2.8% and 3.2%. The official announcement will be made by SSA in mid-October 2026.
When will the 2027 COLA be announced?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically announces the annual COLA in mid-October. The 2027 COLA is expected to be announced around October 15, 2026, based on Q3 2026 CPI-W data.
How is COLA calculated?
COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). SSA compares the average CPI-W for July, August, and September (Q3) of the current year to Q3 of the previous year. The percentage increase becomes the COLA for the following January.
Will the 2027 COLA be higher than 2026?
The 2026 COLA was 2.8%. Current projections suggest the 2027 COLA may be similar or slightly higher, ranging from 2.8% to 3.2%, depending on inflation trends through Q3 2026.
What does a low COLA mean for retirees?
A low COLA means your Social Security benefits may not keep pace with actual living cost increases, particularly for healthcare, housing, and food. When Medicare Part B premiums rise faster than the COLA, the net increase in your check may be even smaller.
Stay Updated on COLA Changes
New CPI data is released monthly. Bookmark this page to track the latest 2027 COLA projections as they evolve.
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