As 2027 approaches, beneficiaries of Social Security are keenly anticipating the announcement of the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will affect their benefits. Since 1975, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented this automatic increase each year to help payments keep pace with inflation.
Recent government data indicates a slight easing of inflation in July, though rates remain above 3 percent, a level sustained since March. Inflation notably surged to 4.2 percent in May, a peak influenced by geopolitical tensions including the onset of the Trump administration’s conflict with Iran, alongside rising energy prices. These economic factors have intensified financial pressure on American households, heightening the significance of the forthcoming COLA update for those relying on Social Security.
Mark your calendar for the official 2027 Social Security COLA announcement
The SSA bases its annual COLA on inflation figures derived from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during the third quarter—July through September—compared with the same period in the previous year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release the CPI data for September on October 14 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Following this release, the SSA typically announces the new COLA shortly thereafter. Updates will be posted promptly when the official figures become available.