Independent publisher · Source: Social Security Administration (SSA)
Eleanor is 74. Every year she waits for the letter about her new benefit. This year, her grandson asked: “Grandma, did you know you can see it earlier?” 🤔 Here is what the SSA says.
It is a good question. Many people only wait for the letter.
👉 SEE THE STEPSSimple guide on the next pageWhat you’ll find here
✔️ The 2027 increase.
✔️ When it starts.
✔️ Where to see the notice.
✔️ About Medicare.
📈 The 2027 increase
The SSA announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027.
It reaches about 72 million people who get Social Security.
The same percentage applies to everyone.
📅 When it starts
For Social Security, the increase starts with January 2027 payments.
For SSI, higher payments start on December 31, 2026.
If you get both, the SSI change comes first.
💻 Seeing it early
With a my Social Security account, the notice appears online in late November. That is up to three weeks before the paper letter.
A family member can help you look at it, if you like.
If you do not have an account, that is fine. The SSA says you can create one and choose paperless by November 18, or simply wait for the letter.
👉 SEE THE 6 STEPSOne step at a time📬 The paper letter
If you get paper letters, the notice comes by mail in December. It is one page with your new amounts.
Keep it with your important papers.
🏥 Medicare
The 2027 Medicare premium appears in the Message Center in late November. You can also look at medicare.gov.
If the premium comes out of your benefit, it changes the final amount.
📏 Where the number comes from
The SSA says the increase is tied to a price index called CPI-W. The law sets how it works.
No website can change your amount.
👪 Getting help
A son, daughter or grandchild can help you log in to my Social Security. You can also keep using paper letters if you like.
Keep your password private. Only type it on ssa.gov.
Your notice will come either way.
On the next page, we go through it in six short steps.
Each step is short and simple.
Quick questions
Is this a government website?
No. 50 Pleno is an independent guide. Information from the SSA is at ssa.gov/cola.
Do I need to apply for the COLA?
The SSA release describes it as an adjustment to benefits, with a notice sent online or by mail. It does not describe an application.
Do I need to call anyone?
No. The notice comes to you, online or by mail.
👉 READ THE FULL GUIDEStep by step50 Pleno is an independent publisher, not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any government agency. We don’t process benefits and never ask for personal information. Independent guide. Not affiliated with any government agency.