Social Security recipients may see a bigger cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 than what was initially estimated. However, with just five months until the official announcement, it’s still unclear how much more support will be available next year.
Since the COLA is based on a percentage, the raise in benefits varies depending on the size of current payments. Generally, those receiving retirement benefits experience larger increases than those on spousal benefits, as the average retirement benefits are higher. Still, spousal benefits should see a notable increase as well.
Projected Increases for Spousal Benefits in 2027
As of April 2026, the average spousal benefit is around $986 per month, totaling approximately $11,832 annually. This figure will slightly rise as new applicants qualify for higher benefits, but the average won’t see significant changes until the next COLA comes through in January 2027.
Back in January 2026, the nonpartisan group Senior Citizens League (TSCL) forecasted the COLA rate for 2027 to be 2.5%. That prediction increased to 2.8% by February and held steady in March and April. Recent inflation data has, however, altered the landscape.
In April, the year-over-year growth rate of the consumer price index jumped to 3.8%, prompting TSCL to revise its forecast to 3.9%. This is quite a leap for a monthly estimate, and there’s the possibility of even higher COLAs if inflation persists in the upcoming months.
A 3.9% increase would boost average spousal benefits by about $38, making it $1,024 monthly for the first time. This would mean beneficiaries receive roughly $12,288 each year, contrasting with the average retirement benefit of $2,081 in April 2026, which would rise by $81 to $2,162.
Anticipating Changes as October Approaches
The annual COLA adjustments rely on inflation data from the third quarter—July, August, and September. As this information becomes available, the COLA estimates will start to get closer to the finalized figure. The official COLA will be revealed in mid-October after the government releases September’s inflation data.
In the meantime, paying attention to inflation trends can provide insight into what to expect for your 2027 COLA. If inflation continues its upward trend, it could signal a larger-than-anticipated COLA increase.
