Fact-check analysisVerified as of September 11, 2026Curated by FactVerifyPrimary Source Verified
Mostly True

The projected 2027 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is 3.6 percent based on recent Consumer Price Index data.

The figure of 3.6 percent is a common current estimate for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), but it is a projection based on incomplete data rather than the final, official rate.

Social Security's 2027 Raise: New Estimate Puts It at 3.6% — Here's What Changed

Social Security's 2027 Raise: New Estimate Puts It at 3.6% — Here's What Changed

Source: money.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified September 11, 2026
  • The official 2027 COLA will not be determined until the Social Security Administration processes the full third-quarter CPI-W data, with the announcement expected in October 2026. While 3.6 percent is a widely reported projection based on recent inflation data, other estimates also exist, ranging from 3.2 to 3.6 percent, reflecting that the final calculation remains subject to change.

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

As of September 11, 2026, the official 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has not yet been determined. The Social Security Administration calculates this annual adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the third quarter of the year, which includes data from July, August, and September. Because official data for September 2026 is not yet available, any figure currently cited as the 2027 COLA is an estimate or projection.newsweek.comnewsweek.comSocial Security COLA update: What today’s inflation report means for youAs of September 11, 2026, the official 2027 COLA has not yet been determined Official Calculation Process: By law, the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates the annual COLA based on the average Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage...aarp.orgaarp.orgHow COLA Is Calculated By Social SecurityOfficial Calculation Process: By law, the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates the annual COLA based on the average Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the third quarter (July, August,...+1 more

Primary trail

Verified Sources8

Here's the projected Social Security COLA for 2027, according to AARPPrimary Source Extraction

cbsnews.com
Open source
Verified Document Excerpt
"Stubbornly hot inflation in August could push up the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients, according to a new estimate from AARP. The 2027 COLA is now projected at 3.6%, based on the August Consumer Price Index figures released on Wednesday, according to the advocacy group. AARP had forecast a 3.5% increase a month ago.Other groups are forecasting a slightly lower COLA, with the Senior Citizens League, an advocacy group for older Americans, projecting a 3.5% adjustment, down from its prior estimate of 3.6%.A benefit increase of 3.6% would represent the biggest annual adjustment in Social Security payments since 2023."

Social Security COLA update: What today’s inflation report means for youPrimary Source Extraction

newsweek.com
Open source
Verified Document Excerpt
"Heading: Why It Matters Before Friday's August inflation report, the Senior Citizens League projected a 3.6 percent COLA for 2027, down from its earlier forecasts of 3.8 percent in June and July. The group said its August projection was based on July's 3.4 percent annual increase in the CPI-W."

Could Social Security Benefits Increase in 2027 Possibly Sasha Is on Your Side W

facebook.com
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