Search interest around Social Security, SSI and the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment rose this week. That usually brings a flood of precise-looking forecasts. They can be useful scenarios, but they are not the official benefit increase.
What is official today
The Social Security Administration says it will announce the next COLA in October 2026. The calculation uses the CPI-W and depends on data that are not complete in July.
Do not spend a forecast
A projected percentage can change before the final calculation. Medicare premiums, taxes, housing, utilities, insurance and healthcare costs can also change the amount that remains available for everyday spending.
Build three versions of the budget
Use a conservative case with no increase, a middle case using a reasonable planning estimate and a final case only after SSA publishes the official number. Keep the same housing and healthcare assumptions across all three so the comparison stays honest.
The HomeCostGrid view
Treat online COLA estimates as planning inputs, not promises. Verify notices through an official my Social Security account or SSA publication and never give account information to a site claiming it can unlock an increase.
