Social Security's 2027 raise is 3.6%: 7 things to know
Social Security announced its 2027 cost-of-living adjustment. Here's what changes, when, and what to check. Every figure links to the government source.
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Key takeaways
- Social Security benefits rise 3.6% starting with January 2027 payments. SSI payments rise starting December 31, 2026.
- If you work before full retirement age, you can earn $25,560 in 2027 before benefits are withheld.
- Medicare's 2027 Part B premium hasn't been announced yet, and it will take part of the raise for many people.
On this page
Social Security has announced its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and other yearly figures for 2027. Here are the changes that matter most if you get benefits or plan to claim soon, with links to the official sources.
1. Benefits rise 3.6%
Social Security benefits increase 3.6% starting with benefits payable in January 2027. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients get the increase starting with the payment on December 31, 2026. For comparison, the 2026 COLA was 2.8%. Source: SSA COLA information.
2. Your COLA notice can arrive online
Social Security says COLA notices will be available in the Message Center of most beneficiaries' my Social Security accounts in late November 2026, for people who create an account by November 18, 2026. The notice shows your new monthly amount and any Medicare deduction.
3. Watch the Medicare Part B premium
If Part B is deducted from your check, part of the raise goes to Medicare. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, with a $283 deductible. The 2027 figures haven't been announced yet; Medicare usually announces them in the fall at medicare.gov.
4. You can earn more while claiming early
If you're younger than full retirement age for all of 2027, Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $25,560. In the year you reach full retirement age, it withholds $1 for every $3 above $67,920, counting only earnings before the month you reach it. Withheld benefits aren't lost: your benefit is recalculated at full retirement age.
5. The taxable maximum rises
Workers pay Social Security tax on earnings up to $192,300 in 2027, up from $184,500 in 2026.
6. Full retirement age is 67
For anyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. Claiming at 62 permanently reduces your monthly benefit; waiting past full retirement age, up to 70, increases it. See SSA's full retirement age chart.
7. The new senior deduction still applies
For tax years 2025 through 2028, people 65 and older can claim an extra deduction of up to $6,000 each ($12,000 for a married couple who both qualify), whether or not they itemize. It phases out above $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($150,000 for joint filers). It doesn't change how Social Security benefits are taxed. See the IRS explanation.
Bottom line
Look for your COLA notice in late November or December, check how much of the raise goes to Medicare once 2027 premiums are announced, and update your budget for January.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2027 COLA start?
With Social Security benefits payable in January 2027. SSI recipients see it in the payment dated December 31, 2026.
Does the senior deduction make Social Security tax-free?
No. It's a deduction that lowers taxable income for eligible people 65 and older. The rules for taxing Social Security benefits didn't change.
Sources
- SSA: Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) information for 2027
- CMS: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
- SSA: Full retirement age
- IRS: Check your eligibility for the new enhanced deduction for seniors
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