Independent publisher · Source: Social Security Administration (SSA)
Here is how to find your 2027 COLA notice, with a plan B for each step in case it doesn’t appear where you expect.
Keep this page open in late November and again in December.
1️⃣ Check your account in late November
The SSA says people with a my Social Security account can see their COLA notice online starting in late November, up to three weeks before the paper notice.
Plan B: if you can’t log in, use the account recovery options on ssa.gov/myaccount, not a link from a message.
ssa.gov/myaccount
2️⃣ Turn on alerts
Account holders can receive text or email alerts from the Message Center.
Plan B: if alerts don’t arrive, check the Message Center directly in late November.
3️⃣ Watch the mail in December
People without paperless get a one-page notice by mail in December, with the exact dates and amounts of the new benefit and any deductions.
Plan B: if December ends without a letter, check online or contact the SSA through ssa.gov.
The letter matters even if you also saw the notice online, because it is the same document on paper.
4️⃣ Know the payment dates
SSI: increased payments begin December 31, 2026. Social Security: the 3.6% increase begins with January 2027 payments.
Write both dates on your calendar if your household receives both benefits.
5️⃣ Look at Medicare
The 2027 Medicare premium information appears in the Message Center in late November. More at medicare.gov.
If the premium is taken from your benefit, the net amount on your notice already reflects it.
6️⃣ Keep the notice
Save a copy with your important papers. You may need it later for taxes or other benefits.
Plan B: if you lose it, the online version stays in your account.
ssa.gov/cola
⚠️ The usual traps
A text with a link to “see your new COLA”. A call asking for your Social Security number to “confirm” the raise. A website charging to “unlock” your notice.
The SSA notice comes online in your account or by mail.
None of these come from the SSA.
❓ Quick answers
What is the fastest way to see the notice?
Online, in your my Social Security account, from late November.
What if I prefer paper?
That is fine. Without paperless, the notice arrives by mail in December.
How do I know a message is real?
Real alerts point you to your account. Type ssa.gov yourself instead of tapping links.
What does the notice show?
The exact dates and amounts of your new benefit and any deductions, on one page.
ssa.gov/cola · SSA page
Matutei is an independent publisher, not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any government agency. We don’t process benefits and never ask for personal information. Independent guide. Not affiliated with any government agency.