Social Security benefits to rise 3.6% in 2027

Louisiana residents receiving Social Security will see a 3.6% cost-of-living increase in 2027, with the average retired worker’s monthly benefit rising by approximately $75, according to the Social Security Administration.

The adjustment will begin with January payments for nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries nationwide. Increased Supplemental Security Income payments for approximately 7.3 million recipients will begin Dec. 31, 2026.

About 76 million people will receive the adjustment across the two programs. Some receive both Social Security and SSI, so the individual program totals overlap. Social Security announcement

The estimated average monthly retirement benefit will increase from $2,095 to $2,170. For an aged couple with both spouses receiving benefits, the estimated average combined payment will rise from $3,238 to $3,355.

The estimated average monthly benefit for disabled workers will increase from $1,642 to $1,701.

Federal maximum SSI payments will rise to $1,029 monthly for an eligible individual and $1,544 for an eligible couple. Actual payments depend on eligibility and other countable income. SSA’s 2027 fact sheet

Beneficiaries can review their individual increase through a personal my Social Security account. Online cost-of-living notices are scheduled to become available in late November.

People who want access to their notice online should create an account and enroll in paperless notices by Nov. 18. Account holders can also select email or text alerts notifying them when a new message is available.

The Nov. 18 deadline concerns online access to the notice; beneficiaries do not have to create an online account to receive the benefit increase. Those who have not selected paperless delivery will receive their notice by mail in December.

The simplified, one-page notice will show each person’s new benefit amount, payment information and deductions. Medicare premiums and other deductions can affect the amount deposited, so recipients should review their personalized notice rather than assume everyone will receive the average $75 increase.

The annual adjustment is determined under federal law using changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Residents can create or access an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and find information about the increase at ssa.gov/cola.