Methodology

Data-status labels

2027 COLA estimate

The homepage uses a flat-data estimate. It carries the official July 2026 CPI-W reading of 327.104 forward unchanged for August and September, compares the implied Q3 average with the 2025 Q3 base average of 317.265, and rounds the percentage increase to the nearest tenth. It is arithmetic under a stated assumption, not a forecast or SSA announcement.

COLA calculator

The quick estimate multiplies the current monthly benefit by the selected COLA percentage. Monthly and annual changes are shown to make the result easy to interpret. SSA's exact amount can differ because the agency applies statutory calculation and rounding rules to the underlying benefit.

COLA + Medicare calculator

The tool estimates today's deposit as current gross benefit minus current Part B premium. It estimates the next-year deposit as the COLA-adjusted gross benefit minus the applicable next-year Part B premium. When the user selects hold-harmless protection, the premium increase is capped at the estimated dollar increase in the Social Security benefit. The difference is the estimated net increase. The Medicare-absorbed percentage is the premium increase divided by the gross COLA increase.

This option is only a planning scenario. Actual protection requires the statutory eligibility conditions, including qualifying Social Security entitlement and Part B premiums deducted from the relevant checks; IRMAA and state-paid premiums are among the common exceptions.

Payment dates

The standard schedule uses the second Wednesday for birthdays on the 1st–10th, the third Wednesday for the 11th–20th, and the fourth Wednesday for the 21st–31st. SSI is normally paid on the 1st. People receiving both programs and other SSA third-of-the-month categories follow separate rules. Dates that fall on weekends or federal holidays are moved to the preceding business day.