Millions of Americans receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income could see higher monthly payments in 2027 as the annual cost of living adjustment takes effect.AARP currently estimates the 2027 COLA at 3.5 percent, although the final figure won’t be announced until October 14 after September inflation data is released.President Trump sparks theories with latest video showing an odd shape on his rear endThe increase will apply across Social Security retirement, survivor and disability benefits, while SSI payments also rise through the annual COLA system.How much could Social Security payments increase?AARP says the average retired worker currently receives about $2,086 a month.With a 3.5 percent COLA, that would increase by roughly $73, taking the average monthly payment to around $2,159.Surviving spouses currently receive an average of about $1,933 per month. A 3.5 percent increase would add around $68, pushing the average payment to approximately $2,001.SSDI recipients would also benefit.AARP estimates that the average disabled worker receives $1,635 per month. Applying a 3.5 percent COLA would increase that by around $57, taking the average payment to roughly $1,692.SSI payments will increase tooSupplemental Security Income is also adjusted through the same annual COLA mechanism.The maximum federal SSI payment in 2026 is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple.If the final 2027 COLA is 3.5 percent, those figures would rise to approximately $1,028 for an individual and around $1,543 for an eligible couple, although the official amounts won’t be confirmed until the COLA is finalized.When will the 2027 COLA be confirmed?The Social Security Administration calculates COLA using third-quarter inflation measured by the CPI-W.Yahoo Finance reports that the official increase is expected to be announced on October 14.Any new COLA will begin affecting Social Security checks paid in January 2027, while SSI recipients typically receive their January payment at the end of December because January 1 is a federal holiday.The important point is that 3.5 percent remains an estimate.Your exact increase will depend on the final COLA and your existing benefit amount, but retirement, survivor, SSDI and SSI payments are all positioned to rise if inflation produces a positive adjustment.
