Social Security's 2027 COLA Could Be the Largest in Years
Social Security's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment landed at 2.8%, and early forecasts for 2027 are already running higher. The Senior Citizens League's most recent projection puts the 2027 COLA at around 3.8%, which the group says would raise the average retiree benefit by roughly $77 a month.
Independent analyst Mary Johnson has offered a similar range, telling reporters her estimate has moved between 3.8% and 4.7% in recent months as inflation data shifted through the spring. The Social Security Administration calculates the COLA using third-quarter inflation data and will not announce the official figure until October 14, 2026.
There's a modest silver lining for Medicare enrollees: the Motley Fool notes initial Medicare Trustees estimates put the 2027 Part B premium increase at about 3.25% — smaller than the projected COLA, which hasn't happened often in recent years.
Whatever the final number, a higher COLA doesn't always translate to more spending power once Medicare premiums and inflation are factored in. If you're approaching 65 or already retired, check what else you may qualify for with the Benefit Trim Score.