The 2027 Social Security COLA and what it means for claiming
The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment is 3.6%, announced on October 14, 2026, after a 2.8% raise for 2026. A raise applies to every claiming age, so it does not change whether starting early or late pays more.
Last updated: . Education, not financial advice.
What 3.6% means in dollars
Here is a simple example. It uses a full benefit of $2,000 for someone born in 1962 and applies the 3.6% raise once, rounded down to the whole dollar.
| Start at | Before the raise | After the raise |
|---|---|---|
| Age 62 | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| Age 67 | $2,000 | $2,072 |
| Age 70 | $2,480 | $2,569 |
Source: 2027 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet (opens in a new tab), COLA history (opens in a new tab)
Why a COLA does not decide the age
The raise is the same percent for every starting age. A larger check at 70 gets a larger dollar raise than a smaller check at 62, and both grow by the same 3.6%. So the ranking of starting ages stays the same. The calculators on this site show today's dollars for that reason.
Source: COLA history (opens in a new tab), 2027 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet (opens in a new tab)
Other 2027 numbers that moved
| Number | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living adjustment | 2.8% | 3.6% |
| Maximum earnings taxed for Social Security | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Earnings limit, under full retirement age | $24,480 | $25,560 |
| Earnings limit, year you reach full retirement age | $65,160 | $67,920 |
Source: 2027 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet (opens in a new tab), Contribution and benefit base (opens in a new tab), Retirement earnings test exempt amounts (opens in a new tab)
See the 2027 earnings limit for what the higher work limits mean for you.
Common questions
What is the 2027 COLA?
3.6%, announced on October 14, 2026. The 2026 COLA was 2.8%.
Should the COLA make me claim earlier or later?
No. It applies to every starting age in the same percent, so it does not change which age pays more.
Does the COLA change the earnings limit?
The earnings limit is set separately. It rises from $24,480 to $25,560 in 2027.
Sources
- 2027 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet (opens in a new tab)
- COLA history (opens in a new tab)
- Contribution and benefit base (opens in a new tab)
- Retirement earnings test exempt amounts (opens in a new tab)
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Wait or Claim is independent. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Social Security Administration or any government agency. We give education, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check your own facts with Social Security (ssa.gov) before you file.