Social Security published its 2027 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) earlier this week. As is almost invariably the case monthly benefit payments will be higher, this year to the tune of 3.6%.
For SSI recipients it means that the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) will rise from $994 a month for an individual to $1,029; and married couples will continue to be considered to have the needs of one and a half individuals and will share $1,544. There’s still no budging the countable resource limits as they remain $2000 for individuals and $3000 for a couple.
There are expected changes to the Trial Work Period (TWP), Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) thresholds as well. The TWP in 2027 is up $60 to $1,270; the SGA for non-blind recipients and applicants rises from $1,690 to $1,770; and for those who are statutorily blind that figure will now be up to $2,950. The SEIE monthly and annual limits are set to be $2,500 and $10,080 respectively.
For those who took their SSA retirement early you can work and earn $2,130 a month before there’s any reduction in your check. Those who hit full retirement age next year will lose one dollar of every three they earn over $5,660 a month until they reach the haven of full retirement age. From that point on, as always, there’s no negative effect on your retirement check no matter how much you earn.
Here’s the full list of changes for the new year: 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet | News | SSA