Social Security in 2027: Everything That Changes (SSA Fact Sheet)
The headline numbers, 2026 vs 2027
| Figure | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) | 2.8% | 3.6% |
| Maximum taxable earnings (wage base) | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Average retired worker benefit | $2,095 | $2,170 |
| Maximum federal SSI, individual | $994 | $1,029 |
| Maximum federal SSI, couple | $1,491 | $1,544 |
| Medicare Part B standard premium | $202.90 | Not yet announced (projected $209.50) |
Working and disability thresholds for 2027
| 2027 figure | Amount | What it governs |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings test — under full retirement age | $25,560/yr ($2,130/mo) | $1 of benefits withheld for every $2 earned above the limit |
| Earnings test — year you reach full retirement age | $67,920/yr ($5,660/mo) | $1 withheld per $3 over, counting only months before your birthday month; withheld benefits are credited back at full retirement age |
| Substantial gainful activity (SGA), non-blind | $1,770/mo | Earnings above this can affect SSDI/SSI disability eligibility |
| SGA, blind | $2,950/mo | The higher SGA level for statutorily blind beneficiaries |
| Trial work period threshold | $1,270/mo | Earnings above this use one of your 9 trial-work months |
| Quarter of coverage (one credit) | $1,970 | Covered earnings needed per credit, up to 4 credits a year |
Benefit formula figures for people turning 62 in 2027
| Figure | 2027 amount |
|---|---|
| PIA bend points (90% / 32% / 15% formula) | $1,340 and $8,077 of average indexed monthly earnings |
| Family maximum bend points | $1,712, $2,471 and $3,223 |
The bend points decide how a new retiree's benefit is computed; if you are already receiving benefits, the COLA — not a bend point — is what changes your amount. To see what the increase means for your check, use the 2027 COLA calculator or the net-of-Medicare calculator. Benefit averages for every class are on the 2027 average benefits page.
Frequently asked questions
What else changes for Social Security in 2027 besides the COLA?
The SSA's 2027 fact sheet also raises the taxable wage base to $192,300, the earnings-test limits to $25,560 (under full retirement age) and $67,920 (in the year you reach it), substantial gainful activity to $1,770 a month ($2,950 if blind), the trial work period threshold to $1,270, a quarter of coverage to $1,970, and the benefit-formula bend points to $1,340 and $8,077.
What is the maximum taxable earnings amount for 2027?
$192,300. Earnings above that are not subject to the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax and do not count toward future benefits. The figure was $184,500 in 2026.
What is a quarter of coverage worth in 2027?
You earn one quarter of coverage (credit) for each $1,970 of covered earnings in 2027, up to 4 credits for the year. Most workers need 40 credits to qualify for retirement benefits.
Source: Social Security Administration, 2027 COLA fact sheet (announced October 14, 2026). The Part B row shows a projection because CMS announces the official premium separately, expected November 2026.