The projected 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients has risen slightly to 3.6%, according to a new estimate from AARP, based on August Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures released on Wednesday. AARP had previously expected a 3.5% increase. Meanwhile, other organizations, like the Senior Citizens League, are predicting a 3.5% adjustment, a slight decrease from their earlier estimate of 3.6%. If the 3.6% figure is confirmed, it would mark the largest annual increase in Social Security payments since 2023. Social Security benefits are adjusted each year to help recipients keep up with inflation, ensuring their purchasing power remains stable. The program supports more than 70 million people, including retirees and individuals with disabilities. However, some critics argue that the current COLA formula has not kept pace with rising healthcare costs and other financial pressures that disproportionately affect older Americans and those with disabilities. As of January 2024, the average retired worker received $2,071 per month in Social Security benefits. A 3.6% COLA would increase this amount to approximately $2,146 per month by the start of 2027. While this increase would provide some relief, it remains a topic of debate among advocates and policymakers regarding its adequacy in addressing the real cost of living. The official COLA for 2027 will be announced next month, following the release of the September CPI report on October 14. At that time, the Social Security Administration will calculate the year’s inflation adjustment using data from July, August, and September. This process ensures that the adjustment reflects the most recent trends in consumer prices across the country.