4 2027 Social Security COLA Dates You Need to Know
Key Points
The Social Security Administration will announce the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in mid-October.
Personalized COLA notices will go out to all beneficiaries in December.
Your first payments with the 2027 COLA included will arrive in mid-to-late January.
- The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook ›
We're just a few months away from Social Security's 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, which is a big deal if you rely on your benefits to cover a significant chunk of your monthly income. The COLA will dictate how far your checks will go next year and how much of your expenses you'll need to cover on your own.
If you follow the COLA news closely, there are several important dates you may want to mark on your calendar, including these four.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
1. July and August CPI release dates
Social Security COLAs are based on inflation data from July, August, and September of the current year and the previous one. We already have the 2025 data, but we're still waiting on the 2026 data, which typically comes out mid-month after the month in question.
For example, the July inflation number will be available on Aug. 12, 2026, and the August number on Sept. 11, 2026. Once these figures are available, we'll start to get a clearer picture of where the 2027 COLA could end up.
2. The COLA announcement
The Social Security Administration will officially announce the COLA once the September inflation number is revealed on Oct. 14, 2026. Expect the announcement early that morning. Once you know the percentage, you can add it to your current checks to get a rough idea of how much to expect next year.
3. Personalized COLA notices
In early December, the Social Security Administration will mail personalized COLA notices to all beneficiaries. You can also access this information through your My Social Security account if you have one.
This notice will tell you exactly how large your Social Security checks will be in 2027. If you're on Medicare, it will also let you know how much you'll have withheld from your Social Security benefits to cover your Part B premiums.
4. The first payment dates with the new COLA
Your Social Security payment due date usually depends on your birthday. Here's when your first checks with the 2027 COLA included will arrive:
- Born on the 1st through the 10th: Jan. 13, 2027
- Born on the 11th through the 20th: Jan. 20, 2027
- Born on the 21st through the 31st: Jan. 27, 2027
However, if you began receiving Social Security before May 1997 or if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your first benefit with the 2027 COLA will arrive on Dec. 31, 2026.
Normally, Social Security benefits for these groups are issued on the third of the month. But Jan. 3, 2027, is a Sunday. In that case, payment moves to the last business day before that, which is Dec. 31, 2026, since Jan. 1 is a holiday.
If you have any questions about your 2027 COLA, contact the Social Security Administration after it's made the announcement. You can call or schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office.
The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook
If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income.
One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Join Stock Advisor to learn more about these strategies.
View the "Social Security secrets" »
The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Recommended Articles
