what is the social security cola going to be for 2027

The latest early estimates for the 2027 Social Security COLA are around 3.8% to 4.7% , with one widely cited current projection at 3.8% and another at 4.7%. The official 2027 figure will not be set until October 2026 , when the Social Security Administration uses third-quarter inflation data to make the final announcement.

What’s being projected

• 3.8% : The Senior Citizens League’s updated forecast.

• 4.7% : An independent analyst’s projection that has been repeated in major coverage.

• Earlier in the year, forecasts were lower, around 2.5% to 2.8%.

Why it matters

A higher COLA would raise monthly benefits, but the final increase depends on inflation trends through the summer and early fall. The official adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index data for July, August, and September.

Best current read

If you want the simplest answer: expect something in the mid-to-high 3% range, with 3.8% currently the most conservative mainstream estimate and 4.7% the more aggressive one.

Timing

The Social Security Administration typically announces the next year’s COLA in mid-October , so the 2027 number should become official then.

TL;DR: The 2027 Social Security COLA is not official yet, but the latest estimates point to roughly 3.8%–4.7%.