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2027 Social Security COLA Seen at 3.9%, Lifting Average Checks by About $81

The projection reflects April’s 3.9% CPI‑W reading used to set the annual adjustment.

Overview

  • The Senior Citizens League now pegs the 2027 cost‑of‑living raise at 3.9% after April’s CPI‑W showed a 3.9% yearly increase.
  • A COLA of that size would add about $81 per month to the average Social Security benefit, according to the group’s estimate.
  • The Social Security Administration sets the COLA from July–September CPI‑W data and plans to announce the official 2027 figure in October 2026.
  • Advocates say the formula has not kept up with seniors’ costs, reporting benefits buy about 86.3 cents on the 2016 dollar and that many skip care as prices rise.
  • Budget analysts warn larger payouts weigh on long‑term solvency, with the CBO projecting a key trust fund could be depleted by 2032, risking broad benefit cuts.