Americans are searching for 2027 Social Security benefit changes as estimates for the annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA (benefit increase tied to inflation), have narrowed to 3.4%-3.6%. That would be higher than the 2.8% increase applied in 2026. Based on an average retired-worker benefit of about $2,086 per month in July 2026, a 3.5% COLA would add roughly $73 monthly and raise the average payment to around $2,159. A 3.6% increase would add about $75 and could push the average check above $2,160. The final adjustment is calculated using third-quarter CPI-W (consumer inflation measure for urban wage earners and clerical workers) data, with September’s inflation figures due for release in October. Other 2027 figures, including the taxable wage ceiling, earnings limits for beneficiaries below full retirement age and maximum monthly benefits, can also change. Full retirement age will remain 67 for people born in 1960 or later because its phase-in is complete. A higher COLA may not fully improve purchasing power if inflation continues to raise costs for food, housing, health care and insurance. Coinpaper’s latest forecast leaves 3.5% as an estimate until further inflation readings determine whether the projection changes before October.