2027 Key Numbers & Free Resources
Every figure on this page links to the official source it came from: SSA, CMS or the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2027 COLA
3.6%
Cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. Starts with Social Security benefits payable in January 2027; higher SSI payments start December 31, 2026.
Source: SSA press release, Oct 14, 2026330.654
September 2026 CPI-W index level (1982-84=100), the final month in the July–September average that sets the COLA. BLS released it Oct 14, 2026.
Source: BLS CPI news release, September 20262027 Social Security & SSI amounts
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings limit, under full retirement age all year ($1 withheld per $2 over) | $24,480/yr ($2,040/mo) | $25,560/yr ($2,130/mo) |
| Earnings limit, the year you reach full retirement age ($1 withheld per $3 over, only months before FRA) | $65,160/yr ($5,430/mo) | $67,920/yr ($5,660/mo) |
| Earnings limit starting the month you reach full retirement age | None | None |
| Maximum taxable earnings (Social Security tax) | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Earnings needed for one work credit (quarter of coverage) | $1,890 | $1,970 |
| Maximum benefit, worker retiring at full retirement age | $4,152/mo | $4,188/mo |
| SSI federal payment, individual | $994/mo | $1,029/mo |
| SSI federal payment, couple | $1,491/mo | $1,544/mo |
| SSI resource limit, individual / couple | $2,000 / $3,000 | $2,000 / $3,000 |
| Substantial Gainful Activity (disability), non-blind / blind | $1,690 / $2,830 per mo | $1,770 / $2,950 per mo |
Estimated average monthly benefits, January 2027
| Type | Before 3.6% COLA | After 3.6% COLA |
|---|---|---|
| All retired workers | $2,095 | $2,170 |
| Aged couple, both receiving benefits | $3,238 | $3,355 |
| Aged widow(er) alone | $1,936 | $2,005 |
| All disabled workers | $1,642 | $1,701 |
Medicare Part B
$202.90
2026 standard Part B monthly premium (official)
Source: CMS: 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums$209.50 Projected
2027 standard Part B monthly premium. PROJECTED by the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS had not announced the official 2027 premium as of Nov 3, 2026.
Source: 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (projection)2027 payment schedule
Most people who started benefits after May 1997 are paid on a Wednesday based on their birthday.
| Month | Born 1st–10th (2nd Wednesday) | Born 11th–20th (3rd Wednesday) | Born 21st–31st (4th Wednesday) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Jan 27 |
| February | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Feb 24 |
| March | Mar 10 | Mar 17 | Mar 24 |
| April | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 |
| May | May 12 | May 19 | May 26 |
| June | Jun 9 | Jun 16 | Jun 23 |
| July | Jul 14 | Jul 21 | Jul 28 |
| August | Aug 11 | Aug 18 | Aug 25 |
| September | Sep 8 | Sep 15 | Sep 22 |
| October | Oct 13 | Oct 20 | Oct 27 |
| November | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 |
| December | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 |
SSI, and Social Security for people who started before May 1997 or get both SSI and Social Security
| Payment for | SSI | Social Security (the “3rd of the month” group) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Dec 31, 2026 (see SSA’s 2026 calendar) | — |
| February | Feb 1 | Feb 3 |
| March | Mar 1 | Mar 3 |
| April | Apr 1 | Apr 2 |
| May | Apr 30 | May 3 |
| June | Jun 1 | Jun 3 |
| July | Jul 1 | Jul 2 |
| August | Jul 30 | Aug 3 |
| September | Sep 1 | Sep 3 |
| October | Oct 1 | Oct 1 |
| November | Nov 1 | Nov 3 |
| December | Dec 1 | Dec 3 |
Dates are from SSA’s official 2027 calendar. Early dates are moved up because of weekends or holidays. If your payment doesn’t arrive, SSA asks you to allow three more mailing days before contacting them. Source: SSA Schedule of Payments 2027 (PDF)
Free official tools & help
- my Social Security account
Free online account from SSA: see your benefit, get a benefit letter, change direct deposit, and view your statement. - SSA benefit calculators
SSA’s own calculators for estimating retirement, disability and survivor benefits. - Get a benefits estimate
SSA’s page for getting a personalized retirement estimate. - Retirement age and benefit reduction
SSA’s chart of full retirement age by birth year and how much claiming early reduces benefits. - Medicare Plan Finder
Compare Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans in your area (open enrollment runs Oct 15 – Dec 7). - SHIP: free Medicare counseling
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program gives free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare help. - Extra Help with drug costs
Apply through SSA for Extra Help paying Medicare Part D premiums and copays. - Medicare Savings Programs
State programs that can help pay Part B premiums and other Medicare costs if your income is limited. - SSA office locator
Find your local Social Security office. - USA.gov benefit finder
Official government tool to find other benefits you may qualify for.
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