Senior Citizens League Projects 3.5% Social Security COLA

The Senior Citizens League projects a 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits in 2027. This projected increase would surpass the 2.8% adjustment for 2026 and the 2.5% increase from 2025. Under this estimate, a beneficiary receiving $2,000 per month would see an increase of $70.

The Social Security Administration determines the official COLA using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This calculation relies on inflation data from July, August, and September. Annual increases for July and August were 3.4% and 3.5%, respectively.

Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League, stated that the organization is monitoring short-term economic shocks that could significantly shift inflation in the coming 30 days. The Social Security Administration is expected to announce the official 2027 COLA on October 14, 2026.