COLA
Social Security COLA Guides
Understand how Social Security cost-of-living adjustments are calculated, tracked, and applied to monthly benefits.
Start with a guide
COLA explanations
COLA basics
How Social Security COLA Is Calculated
The six CPI-W numbers behind every COLA, explained in plain English.
5 min read2027 trackerWhen Will the 2027 COLA Be Announced?
The CPI release schedule, what is known now, and what remains uncertain.
4 min readCPI-W measureWhy Social Security Uses CPI-W for COLA
Why CPI-W is the legal COLA measure, how SSA compares third-quarter averages, and why one month cannot determine the result.
2 min readQuestions covered
What this topic helps explain
- How is the Social Security COLA calculated?
- When will the 2027 COLA be announced?
- Why can the amount deposited differ from the headline COLA?
Check the official publications in our source directory and see how we label calculations in our methodology.