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When Is the 2027 Social Security COLA Announced?
Why October 14, and why 8:30 a.m.?
The COLA is not a decision anyone makes — it is a formula written into law. Social Security compares average inflation (a version of the Consumer Price Index called CPI-W) during July, August, and September with the same three months a year earlier. The percentage difference becomes your raise.
September is the last month in that formula, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes September inflation on October 14 this year, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. The moment that number is public, the COLA can be calculated — so SSA announces it the same morning at ssa.gov/cola.
The full timeline for your money
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2026, ~8:30 a.m. ET | Official 2027 COLA percentage announced |
| Late November – December 2026 | SSA posts your personal new amount in your my Social Security account and mails COLA notices |
| December 31, 2026 | SSI payments include the increase (this payment is dated for January 1) |
| January 2027 | Retirement, survivor, and disability checks include the new amount |
How big will it be?
As of September 2026, independent estimates cluster around 3.5% to 3.6% — The Senior Citizens League projects 3.6% and AARP's analysis points to about 3.5%. For the average retired worker that is roughly $70 more per month, before Medicare premiums. The official number can still land a little higher or lower depending on September inflation.
How to get your exact new number
- The fast way: use the free CheckDay calculator — on announcement morning it switches automatically to the official rate, so you can see your new check in ten seconds.
- The official way: wait for your COLA notice in your my Social Security message center (early December) or the letter in the mail.
Join the free CheckDay beta — on October 14 we email you the official COLA and what it means for your monthly check, in plain English.
Join the free beta →