Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Cooling Inflation Points to Smaller 2027 Social Security COLA

Preliminary forecasts have eased, with the official calculation set from third‑quarter CPI‑W.

Image
A stock image of a person holding up a social security card in front of a Social Security Administration (SSA) office building.
Image
Some Social Security benefit payments feel as if they may be coming late in May. That's because Wednesdays land later in the month than typical.

Overview

  • January data showed overall consumer prices up 2.4% year over year and the CPI-W up 2.2%, signaling slower inflation.
  • The Senior Citizens League now projects a 2.5% COLA for 2027, below the 2.8% increase beneficiaries received for 2026.
  • Retired analyst Mary Johnson estimates the 2027 COLA could be about 1.2% based on January readings, which would be the smallest since 2016.
  • The Social Security Administration will set the 2027 COLA from the average July–September CPI-W and announce the figure in October 2026.
  • Rising 2026 Medicare costs, including a $202.90 standard Part B premium and higher deductibles, plus elevated utility and grocery expenses, are increasing pressure on retirees.