Cost of living changes, payment schedules & more: What you need to know about Social Security

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients will see a 3.6% cost-of-living increase in 2027, while several payments will arrive earlier than usual during the final months of 2026 because of weekends and federal holidays.The Social Security Administration announced the 2027 adjustment Oct. 14. It will add about $75 a month to the average retired worker’s benefit, raising it from $2,095 to $2,170, according to the agency. The increase is based on inflation measured from the third quarter of 2025 through the third quarter of 2026.The larger benefit amounts begin in January. SSI recipients will receive their January payment early, on Dec. 31, because New Year’s Day falls on a federal holiday. None of the remaining regular Social Security payments in 2026 will include the increase.Who gets paid and whenFor most people who started receiving Social Security after May 1997, payment dates are based on their birth date:Birthdays from the 1st through the 10th: second Wednesday of