Medicare
Social Security checks will rise 3.6% in 2027, about $75 a month for the average retiree
About 72 million beneficiaries get the increase in January, and SSI recipients see it December 31; the Medicare Part B premium change will take part of the raise for many retirees.
Key facts
- The Social Security Administration announced on October 14 that benefits will rise 3.6% in 2027.
- The average retired worker's check will go up about $75 a month.
- The increase reaches about 72 million Social Security beneficiaries starting in January, and about 7.3 million people receiving Supplemental Security Income will see it on December 31.
What happened
The Social Security Administration announced on October 14 that benefits will rise 3.6% in 2027. The average retired worker's check will go up about $75 a month. The increase reaches about 72 million Social Security beneficiaries starting in January, and about 7.3 million people receiving Supplemental Security Income will see it on December 31.
People who sign up for a my Social Security account and choose online notices by November 18 can see their COLA notice online in late November. Paper notices will be mailed in December. The notice shows the new benefit amount and any Medicare premium deduction.
What it means for families
The raise helps, but it is not all spending money. Medicare Part B premiums come out of most checks, and that premium is expected to rise for 2027 too. Families helping a parent budget should plan with the net figure.
For example: a mother receiving $1,900 a month could see about $68 more before Medicare deductions, and less after. If she pays for an aide or assisted living, those costs often rise in January as well.
Higher income can also affect Medicaid or Extra Help eligibility, so check before assuming nothing changes.
What this means in New York: New Yorkers on SSI also receive a small state supplement, and Medicaid budgets use the new figures in January.
What to do this week
- Help a parent create or check their my Social Security account and opt into online notices by November 18.
- When the notice arrives, compare the new amount with their monthly care costs.
- If they get Medicaid or SNAP, report the new amount when asked.
Sources
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