You’ve probably heard that Social Security checks are going up 3.6% in January. But how much more will you actually get? That depends on your own benefit and what’s taken out for Medicare, and the only place to see the exact figure is your personal COLA notice.
That letter is on its way. If you act by November 18, you can read it online weeks before the paper copy arrives.
When and where it arrives
- Online, from late November: If you have a my Social Security account and choose paperless notices, the letter shows up in your account’s Message Center, up to about three weeks before the mailed copy.
- By mail, in December: If you haven’t switched to paperless, it comes in the post as usual.
To get it online this year, SSA says you need to create an account and opt in to paperless notices by November 18, 2026. You can also turn on text or email alerts, so you’re told when a new message, like your COLA notice, is waiting.
What the notice shows
Your COLA notice is personal. It usually lists:
- your monthly benefit before deductions for 2027
- any Medicare premiums that will be taken out, Part B and sometimes Part D
- any IRMAA surcharge if your income is above the limit
- any tax withholding you chose
- the amount you’ll actually receive each month, which is the number most people care about
For Medicare enrollees, SSA says the 2027 premium will appear in the Message Center from late November too.
When the new amount starts
- SSI: the higher payment arrives on December 31, 2026, because January 1 is a holiday
- Social Security retirement, survivors and disability: the increase shows up in your January 2027 payment
Why your raise might look smaller than 3.6%
Don’t panic if the increase in your bank account is less than you expected. Common reasons:
- The Medicare Part B premium is going up. It was $202.90 a month in 2026, and the official 2027 amount hasn’t been announced yet. Projections put it around $209.50. Whatever the rise, it comes out of your check before you see it.
- IRMAA: if your 2025 income was higher, you may pay a surcharge on top.
- Tax withholding: if you have federal tax taken out, a bigger benefit means slightly more withheld.
- Rounding: SSA rounds benefits down to the nearest dollar.
What to check, and what to do if something looks wrong
- Compare it with this year’s notice. The gross amount should be about 3.6% higher.
- Check the Medicare deductions, especially if you’ve recently changed plans or retired.
- If your income dropped because you retired, divorced or were widowed, you may be able to lower an IRMAA charge with Form SSA-44.
- Think it’s wrong? Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Keep the notice. You’ll need it for things like rent, housing assistance or Medicaid applications that ask for proof of income.
Also, watch out for scams. SSA won’t call or text asking you to “confirm” your COLA or pay a fee to receive it.
Sources: SSA, Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027, SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet and Kiplinger.
Jackson is a dedicated USA news writer, who covers important topics such as Social Security payment schedules, COLA increases, IRS tax refunds, stimulus payment announcements, Medicare eligibility, retirement benefits, and changes to state driving laws. His goal is to provide clear, informative, and easy-to-follow articles that help retirees, seniors, taxpayers, and American families stay informed.