DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Wiregrass residents who receive Social Security will see a 3.6% benefit increase in 2027, according to the Social Security Administration.
The cost-of-living adjustment will add an average of $75 a month to retirement benefits. Individual increases will depend on each person’s benefit amount.
The agency announced the adjustment Oct. 14. Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries nationwide will receive the increase beginning in January.
For about 7.3 million people receiving Supplemental Security Income, increased payments will begin Dec. 31, 2026. Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.
“Social Security will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans, giving them greater financial stability,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “Under President Donald J. Trump, Social Security is delivering better, faster, higher-quality service for the American people.”
Wiregrass recipients can check their exact new benefit amount through their personal my Social Security account starting in late November.
According to the agency, online notices can arrive up to three weeks before paper notices. Anyone needing to create an account must do so and enroll in paperless notices by Nov. 18 to view their notice online.
Accounts can be created at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Recipients who have not enrolled in paperless notices will receive their notice by mail in December.
The one-page notice will show the recipient’s new benefit amount, payment dates and any deductions.
Medicare enrollees can also view their 2027 premium amount through their my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Information about Medicare changes will be available at www.medicare.gov.
The annual cost-of-living adjustment is tied to a federal consumer price index that measures inflation.
More information is available at www.ssa.gov/cola.
