According to CoinMeta, the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security in 2027 ( COLA ) is expected to reach 3.8%. However, the final increase in benefits will depend on three key inflation reports to be released in the fall. The current forecast is one percentage point higher than the 2.8% adjustment received by beneficiaries in 2026. The anticipated 3.8% adjustment is expected to increase the average monthly benefit for retired workers by about $79, bringing the average benefit to around $2,163.61 at that time. The Social Security Administration uses the Consumer Price Index ( CPI-W ) for urban workers and clerical staff to calculate the annual adjustment, comparing the average index from July to September with the average of the same three months from the previous year. Any approved adjustment will take effect in December 2026, and beneficiaries usually receive it in January 2027.