United States · Social Security · 2027
Average Social Security benefit 2027.
The Social Security Administration's estimates of average monthly benefits payable in January 2027, before and after the 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment, for six groups of beneficiaries.
Short answer: SSA estimates the average monthly benefit for all retired workers will be $2,170 in January 2027 after the 3.6 percent COLA, up from $2,095. For an aged couple with both receiving benefits it is $3,355, for an aged widow or widower alone $2,005, and for all disabled workers $1,701.
Apply the 2027 COLA to your benefit
Result
Press Calculate to see your benefit after the COLA and how it compares with the group average.
Average monthly benefits payable in January 2027
| Beneficiary group | Before 3.6% COLA | After 3.6% COLA | Increase (derived) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All retired workers | $2,095 | $2,170 | $75 |
| Aged couple, both receiving benefits | $3,238 | $3,355 | $117 |
| Widowed mother and two children | $3,932 | $4,074 | $142 |
| Aged widow(er) alone | $1,936 | $2,005 | $69 |
| Disabled worker, spouse and one or more children | $2,970 | $3,077 | $107 |
| All disabled workers | $1,642 | $1,701 | $59 |
These are SSA estimates of averages across everyone in each group, not what any one person will receive. The 3.6 percent COLA is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2025 through the third quarter of 2026. The dollar increase column subtracts the two published averages.
Other 2027 Social Security numbers on the same fact sheet
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum taxable earnings (Social Security only) | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Quarter of coverage | $1,890 | $1,970 |
| Earnings test limit, under full retirement age | $24,480 a year | $25,560 a year |
| Maximum benefit, worker retiring at full retirement age | $4,152 a month | $4,188 a month |
| SSI federal payment standard, individual | $994 a month | $1,029 a month |
Worked example
A retired worker who receives $2,000 a month before the COLA would get about $2,072 after a 3.6 percent increase, a $72 rise (derived by multiplying by 1.036). The average retired worker's estimated $2,170 is $98 above that figure, which shows why an average is a poor guide for one person: benefits depend on lifetime earnings and the age you claimed.
Method
The table was typed from the "Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Benefits Payable in January 2027" section of the SSA fact sheet. The calculator multiplies the amount you enter by 1.036 and shows the difference from the SSA group average. The result is an estimate; SSA applies the percentage to your actual benefit record and notifies you of the exact new amount.
What this does not cover
- Your own benefit, which depends on your earnings record, claiming age and any reductions such as Medicare Part B premiums.
- Supplemental Security Income amounts other than the payment standard shown.
- Federal income tax on benefits, covered on the taxable benefits calculator.
Figures read from the sources below on November 11, 2026. Last updated November 11, 2026.
Sources
Common mix-ups
-
Often assumedEveryone who gets Social Security will receive the average benefit.
What the source saysThe SSA fact sheet lists estimated averages for groups, such as $2,170 a month for all retired workers and $1,701 for all disabled workers after the 3.6 percent COLA, and not what any individual will be paid. [1]
-
Often assumedThe maximum Social Security benefit is the same as the average benefit.
What the source saysSSA lists a separate maximum for a worker retiring at full retirement age, $4,188 a month in 2027, against an estimated average of $2,170 for all retired workers. [1]
Checked against these sources on .
Frequently asked questions
What is the average Social Security benefit for 2027?
SSA estimates $2,170 a month for all retired workers in January 2027 after the 3.6 percent COLA, up from $2,095 before it.
What is the average disability benefit in 2027?
SSA estimates $1,701 a month for all disabled workers after the COLA, up from $1,642.
What is the average benefit for a couple in 2027?
For an aged couple with both receiving benefits, SSA estimates $3,355 a month after the COLA, up from $3,238.
What is the 2027 Social Security COLA?
3.6 percent, based on the CPI-W increase from the third quarter of 2025 through the third quarter of 2026.
Is the average benefit what I will get?
No. It is an average across a group. Your amount depends on your earnings record and the age you claim.
Where does this page get its numbers?
From the Social Security Administration 2027 cost-of-living adjustment fact sheet, linked in the sources.
Not financial or benefits advice
This page is general information from an unofficial guide and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Averages are estimates for groups, not your benefit. Check your notice from SSA or your my Social Security account for your amount. Nothing you type is sent anywhere. It runs in your browser.