Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2027

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Social Security Administration [Docket No. SSA-2026-1024] AGENCY: Social Security Administration (SSA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Under title II of the Social Security Act (Act), there will be a 3.6 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits effective December 2026. In addition, the national average wage index for 2025 is $72,800.33. The cost-of-living increase and national average wage index affect other program parameters as described below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen K. Sutton, Actuarial Services, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235, (410) 965-3000. Information relating to this announcement is available at www.ssa.gov/​oact/​cola/​index.html . For information on eligibility or claiming benefits, visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Because of the 3.6 percent cost-of-living increase, the following items will increase for 2027: (1) The maximum Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) monthly payment amounts for 2027 under title XVI of the Act will be $1,029 for an eligible individual; $1,544 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse; and $516 for an essential person. (2) The special benefit amount under title VIII of the Act for certain World War II (WWII) veterans will be $771.75 for 2027. (3) The student earned income exclusion under title XVI of the Act will be $2,500 per month in 2027, but not more than $10,080 for all …