Here's the projected Social Security COLA for 2027, according to AARP

Updated on: September 11, 2026 / 11:59 AM EDT / CBS News

Here's the projected Social Security COLA for 2027, according to AARP

TL;DR

  • August's Consumer Price Index figures suggest a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security in 2027, an increase from AARP's previous 3.5% forecast.
  • The Senior Citizens League projects a slightly lower 3.5% COLA, down from their prior 3.6% estimate.
  • A 3.6% COLA would be the largest annual adjustment since 2023, potentially increasing the average monthly benefit by about $75 to $2,146.
  • Critics argue that the COLA does not adequately account for the rising costs faced by seniors, particularly in healthcare.
  • The official 2027 COLA will be announced in October, based on July, August, and September inflation data.