Here's Why Sept. 11 Is a Huge Day for the 2027 Social Security COLA
Key Points
The latest Social Security COLA estimate from Senior Citizens League is 3.6%, down from 3.8% a month ago.
We will get the next number needed for the calculation on Sept. 11, 2026.
We'll learn the official COLA on Oct. 14, 2026.
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The 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is becoming clearer, with four of the six required data points now locked in. We're only missing two key numbers that will come in over the next couple of weeks.
Social Security COLAs are based on changes to average third-quarter inflation data -- that is, data from July, August, and September for the current year and the previous one. We've just gotten the July number, and we'll have the August data on Sept. 11, 2026. Here's what you can expect.
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The latest 2027 COLA projection from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) is 3.6%. This is slightly lower than its earlier estimate of 3.8%, though still quite a bit higher than the 2.8% boost seniors got this year.
The 3.6% estimate is slightly higher than the July inflation rate of 3.4%, suggesting that TSCL expects inflation to tick up over the next couple of months. We'll find out whether that's true on Sept. 11 when we get the August data. But we'll have to wait until the September number arrives on Oct. 14, 2026, to learn the actual COLA.
Once that's locked in, you will be able to estimate how far your checks will go next year. You can add the COLA percentage to your existing benefit for a rough approximation of your 2027 benefit. The Social Security Administration will also send you a personalized COLA notice in early December, listing your exact benefit amount, including withholding for Medicare premiums if you're also enrolled in that program.
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