2027 COLA Increase for Families: What the Social Security Raise Could Mean for Your Budget
Jeanette Moore
Published Jul 22, 2026
Families relying on Social Security are watching the 2027 COLA estimate closely because even a modest increase can help with monthly bills.
Early forecasts suggest the next cost-of-living adjustment could land around 3.6% to 4.7%, but the official number will not be announced until October 2026.
What the 2027 COLA could be
The latest projections are still changing as inflation data moves. Right now, the main estimates include:
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AARP: about 3.6%.
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The Senior Citizens League (TSCL): about 3.8% to 3.9%.
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Mary Johnson: as high as 4.7% in earlier forecasts, with newer estimates closer to the mid-3% range.
What it means for families
For families depending on Social Security, a bigger COLA can help cover rising costs for groceries, rent, gas, and utilities.
A 3.6% increase would add about $75 to an average retired worker benefit, while a 3.8% increase would add about $81 on a $2,000 monthly check.
Why the final number can still change
The COLA is based on the CPI-W, which compares inflation from July, August, and September with the same months a year earlier. That means the final 2027 increase depends on how prices move through the rest of the summer.
What families should watch next
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Gas prices.
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Food inflation.
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Energy costs.
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The SSA’s official October 2026 announcement.
Families should also remember that Medicare premium changes can reduce how much of the COLA they actually keep.
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