Social Security’s 2027 cost-of-living adjustment is 3.6%; increased payments begin in late December for SSI and in January for Social Security.

SSA says increased SSI payments begin December 31, 2026, for January; this is an early regular payment, not a bonus. Increased Social Security benefits are payable in January 2027. Most COLA notices will be available online in late November. The increase is gross; Medicare and other deductions can affect the net amount.

For 2027, the earnings-test limit is $25,560 for workers below full retirement age all year, or $67,920 for earnings before reaching that age during the year. Different rules apply after full retirement age. SSA COLA information · 2027 fact sheet