Your Social Security Check Is Going Up Next Year: 3.6%

💰 Your Social Security check is going up next year: 3.6%.

The Social Security Administration announced today that the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment will be 3.6% — the biggest bump since 2022 and up from this year’s 2.8%.

What that means in dollars: the average retired worker’s check rises about $75 a month, from $2,095 to an estimated $2,170. For a couple where both receive benefits, the average goes from $3,238 to about $3,355. (Quick math for your own check: multiply your current benefit by 1.036.)

Nearly 72 million Americans draw Social Security, and the roughly 7.3 million on SSI get the same 3.6% — their higher payments start December 31, everyone else in January. Your personalized COLA notice lands online in late November, or you can check your exact new amount in your my Social Security account.

One reality check from AARP: only 23% of adults 50+ say a COLA around 3.5% actually keeps up with prices. This helps — but don’t expect it to feel like a raise.

Sources: Social Security Administration; USA Today.