US Social Security benefits rise 3.6 per cent for 2027

2027 cost-of-living adjustment

3.6 %

More than 75 million Americans get a 3.6 per cent increase in their monthly Social Security benefits next year, the largest in four years.

From January, the average payment rises by about US$75, to US$2,170 a month, the Social Security Administration said. The increase follows US inflation of 3.7 per cent in September, driven in part by higher fuel prices.

“While a 3.6% COLA is certainly welcome, it wouldn't necessarily restore the purchasing power seniors have already lost.”

— Shannon Benton, Senior Citizens League

What's next

Medicare has not yet set its 2027 premiums, which are deducted from Social Security cheques and could absorb part of the increase. Recent estimates put the premium rise at probably less than US$20 a month.