Social Security’s 3.6% COLA draws criticism over adequacy
The Social Security Administration announced a 3. 6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 in Woodlawn, Maryland, but senior-advocacy groups said the increase is insufficient and delayed. The groups argued that the $75 monthly boost does not keep pace with rising living costs. The agency said the adjustment will raise average retirement benefits by about $75 per month for more than 72 million beneficiaries and increase the taxable earnings ceiling to $192,300, marking the largest COLA since 2023.
Analysts had previously projected the 2027 COLA to be between 3. 4% and 3. 6%, adding roughly $71 per month. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warned that without legislative changes the program could face benefit cuts of up to 22% by 2032, and Senator Bill Cassidy warned the increase could accelerate the trust fund shortfall.
