Around 76 million Americans receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are set to see their benefits rise by 3.6% in 2027. For the average Social Security recipient, the increase is expected to be around $75 a month, although the exact amount will depend on the individual’s current benefit.
Social Security Increase Starts In January 2027
The new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect for Social Security payments starting in January 2027. The increase is the largest annual COLA since 2023 and is intended to account for changes in the cost of living.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that the exact payment date depends on the recipient’s date of birth.
January Payment Dates Depend On Your Birthday
Social Security recipients will receive their first 2027 payment with the new COLA according to this schedule: Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th: January 13, 2027. Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th: January 20, 2027. Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st: January 27, 2027.
These dates apply to beneficiaries whose Social Security payments follow the standard Wednesday schedule.
SSI Recipients Get The Increase Earlier
People receiving Supplemental Security Income will see their increased benefit earlier than most Social Security recipients. The first payment reflecting the 2027 increase is scheduled for December 31, 2026.
The earlier date results from the way SSI payments are scheduled when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or federal holiday.
Average Social Security Check Could Rise By Around $75
The average Social Security benefit is expected to increase by roughly $75 per month. According to figures cited from the Senior Citizens League, the average monthly payment would rise from around $2,087.52 to $2,162.67.
The $75 figure is an average rather than a fixed payment increase. Someone receiving a higher or lower benefit will see a different dollar increase because the 3.6% COLA is applied to their individual payment.
Around 76 Million Americans Are Affected
The COLA applies to roughly 76 million people receiving Social Security and SSI benefits. This includes retirees and other Social Security beneficiaries, as well as people receiving SSI.
The increase will therefore affect a wide range of recipients, with the amount varying according to each person’s existing benefit.
Why The 2027 COLA Is 3.6%
The annual COLA is designed to reflect changes in consumer prices. The 2027 adjustment follows a period of elevated inflation, which contributed to the higher benefit increase.
The 3.6% adjustment is higher than the increases seen in some recent years, but recipients will still face different changes in their purchasing power depending on how their household expenses evolve.
Check Your Payment Schedule
Social Security recipients should check their normal payment schedule to determine when the higher amount should arrive. For most beneficiaries, the first January payment will fall on January 13, January 20 or January 27, based on their birthday.
SSI recipients are scheduled to receive their increased payment on December 31, 2026. The exact dollar increase will depend on the amount each person currently receives, so not every recipient will see an additional $75.
