2027 Social Security COLA could lift spousal benefits past $1,000 monthly
A projected 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 would raise average Social Security payments and push spousal benefits above $1,000 a month.
According to the Senior Citizens League, the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment is expected to be 3.6%, a rise of 0.8 percentage points from one outlet 2.8% rate. This increase would raise the average monthly retirement benefit to $2,161 and push the average spousal benefit to $1,080, moving many of the roughly two million spousal recipients past the $1,000 threshold. The exact boost each retiree receives depends on their current benefit amount; for example, a $600 benefit would grow by about $22, while a $1,500 benefit would rise by roughly $54.
The Social Security Administration will confirm the official COLA on October 14, with personalized notices mailed in December and available online for account holders. The adjustment comes as gas, grocery and energy prices stay high, and it precedes potential legislative changes under the Social Security 2100 Act, which proposes a higher minimum benefit and a new inflation measure.
Why it matters
Higher Social Security payouts could ease financial pressure on millions of retirees amid rising living costs.
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