Social Security’s 2027 COLA Is Official. Here’s the 1 Number Retirees Should Actually Care About
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For months, there’s been speculation about Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living adjustment. While experts duked it out over slightly different projections, retirees were left wondering whether they’d actually get relief in the new year.
On Oct. 14, the Social Security Administration announced the 2027 COLA. Next year, benefits will get a 3.6% increase. And for many seniors, that might seem like a win, since a 3.6% COLA is considerably higher than the 2.8% raise that arrived in early 2026.
But when we dig deeper, it’s clear that a 3.6% COLA will only go so far to improve retirees’ finances. And the sooner Social Security recipients recognize that, the better.
What a 3.6% Social Security COLA actually means for the typical retiree
The average Social Security retirement benefit today is about $2,088. When we do the math, a 3.6% COLA boosts the average benefit by $75 a month, or $900 a year, not accounting for any potential increase in the cost of Medicare Part B that dual enrollees pay out of their monthly benefits.
On paper, a 3.6% COLA seems nice. But a $75 monthly boost, or $900 annual boost, probably won’t do much to help the typical Social Security retiree who’s struggling to make ends meet.
Part of the problem is that many seniors look at COLAs as a way to catch up financially. All COLAs are meant to do is ensure that benefits don’t automatically lose buying power due to inflation.
COLAs are based on inflation readings from the third quarter of the year, and benefits are adjusted the following January to offset recent inflation. But if prices continue to climb in 2027, a 3.6% Social Security COLA could be rendered useless.
And even if prices remain pretty steady, the fact of the matter is that anyone who’s pinching pennies to get by today probably won’t see that much of an improvement with an extra $75 a month in their pocket.
Sure, that extra money might allow for a few extra grocery items. But even if costs only rise modestly next year, that additional money could be gobbled up quickly, putting seniors in the exact same position they’re in right now.
Take steps to improve your finances
If you’re heavily reliant on Social Security, you may be relieved to learn that your benefits are getting a 3.6% COLA in the new year. But it’s also crucial to take active steps to improve your finances if you’ve been struggling and don’t have much income outside of your monthly benefits.
First, see if it’s possible to shed some expenses that free up room in your budget. If you own a home with high property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, downsizing could lower your costs and put a chunk of cash in your pocket if you have a lot of equity.
Next, consider returning to work part-time if that’s something you can manage. Even if you only work one day a week, you may end up with a much larger boost to your income than a $75 increase from Social Security’s COLA. And thanks to the gig economy, working just one day a week is absolutely feasible.
Social Security’s 3.6% COLA might help some seniors modestly once it kicks in. But for the most part, the typical benefit is only getting a $75 boost without accounting for Medicare premium hikes. Seniors who mostly live on Social Security should take steps to improve their finances and consider the upcoming COLA one part of their overall strategy.
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Maurie Backman has more than a decade of experience writing about financial topics, including retirement, investing, Social Security, and real estate. Her work has appeared on sites that include The Motley Fool, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, and Kiplinger.
Prior to becoming a full-time financial writer, Maurie worked in the financial industry trading distressed debt. She then changed course and spent a few years designing electronic toys. After a stint in content marketing and UX, she shifted back into writing and has since covered everything from the housing market to estate planning to Medicare.
When she's not busy writing, Maurie can be found hiking, walking her dogs, driving her kids to their various sports practices and games, and curling up with a good book. She cooks on occasion and bakes way too often.
