The official Social Security 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is now less than a month away (October), and millions of Americans are waiting to find out how much their monthly Social Security checks could increase in 2027. Current estimates have shifted in recent weeks, with the latest Senior Citizens League projection putting the 2027 Social Security COLA at 3.5%, while other forecasts have been slightly higher. The official figure is expected on October 14, 2026, after September inflation data is released.
The size of the Social Security COLA will be the same percentage for beneficiaries nationwide, but the dollar amount of the increase will not be the same. Retirees who already receive larger monthly Social Security benefits will see a larger increase in dollars when the COLA is applied. According to The Motley Fool, retirees in 10 states have the highest median Social Security benefits and therefore could see some of the biggest dollar increases in 2027.
