Social Security announces a 3.6% increase for 2027
Social Security and SSI follow different payment schedules.
Carried forward October 18. October 14 announcement of an increase for 2027.
The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% adjustment for 2027 on October 14. It covers 76 million people, some of whom receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. [1]
Two effective dates
Social Security benefits will rise in January 2027. Higher SSI payments will begin on December 31, 2026, according to the agency. [1]
How the rate is calculated
Reuters explains that the adjustment uses the annual comparison of the third-quarter Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W. This calculation differs from the headline inflation rate for September alone. [2]
Payments and purchasing power
The increase exceeds the 2.8% applied for 2026, Reuters notes. It raises the amounts paid; its effect on purchasing power will also depend on changes in recipients’ expenses. [2]
Perspectives compared
Sources and documents
- [1] SSA — 2027 benefit increase announcement ↗October 14, 2026
- [2] Reuters — Dan Burns and Susan Heavey / AOL ↗October 14, 2026