2027 Social Security COLA Calculator
The Social Security Administration announces the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on October 14, 2026. Most raise headlines ignore Medicare. Enter your benefit to see how much will actually land in your bank account each month after the Part B premium.
Estimate. Change it to the official number once announced on October 14.
$209.50 is the Medicare Trustees projection. The official amount comes in November.
2027 COLA: what we know so far
The COLA is based on the rise in the CPI-W inflation index from the third quarter of last year to the third quarter of this year. Until the September inflation data comes out, every number above is an estimate.
New check after Medicare at different COLAs
Monthly deposit in 2027 after a $209.50 Part B premium, and the change from 2026 (after $202.90):
| 2026 benefit | 3.0% COLA | 3.5% COLA | 4.0% COLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $1,335.50 (+$38.40) | $1,342.90 (+$45.80) | $1,350.50 (+$53.40) |
| $2,083 | $1,935.90 (+$55.80) | $1,946.40 (+$66.30) | $1,956.80 (+$76.70) |
| $2,500 | $2,365.50 (+$68.40) | $2,378.00 (+$80.90) | $2,390.50 (+$93.40) |
| $3,500 | $3,395.50 (+$98.40) | $3,412.90 (+$115.80) | $3,430.50 (+$133.40) |
Why your raise looks smaller than the headline
If Medicare Part B is deducted from your Social Security, any premium increase is taken from your raise. In 2026, the Part B premium went up $17.90 while the average COLA raise was about $54, so roughly a third of the raise went to Medicare. For 2027, the Trustees projected a smaller premium increase, but private forecasters expect it could be higher, around $216 to $219.
The hold harmless rule
If your Part B premium is taken from your Social Security check, the law says your Part B increase cannot be bigger than your COLA raise in dollars. So your net check cannot go down from one year to the next. This protection does not apply if you pay IRMAA (a higher premium because of high income), if you are new to Medicare, or if Medicaid pays your Part B premium.
How this calculator works
It raises your 2026 benefit by the COLA percent and rounds down to the dime, like the Social Security Administration does. Then it subtracts your 2027 Part B premium, applying the hold harmless limit if it covers you, and compares the result with your 2026 deposit. Other deductions, like Part D or tax withholding, are not included.
FAQ
When will the 2027 COLA be announced?
On October 14, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, together with the September inflation report.
When does the higher payment start?
With the January 2027 payment. SSI recipients see it at the end of December 2026.
How much is the 2027 COLA expected to be?
Forecasts in the fall of 2026 ranged from about 3.5% to 3.8%. The official number may be different.
Why did my check barely go up?
Usually because the Medicare Part B premium rose and is taken out of your check, or because of changes in Part D or tax withholding.
Is my Social Security taxable?
It can be. Up to 85% of benefits can be taxed depending on your other income. The new $6,000 senior deduction can reduce that tax for many retirees.
Rules and rates last checked: October 2026. This is an estimate for general information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check IRS.gov or a tax professional before you file.