Social Security 2027 Age: Americans who are 65 years old could get an average of $1,665 every month in Social Security benefits in 2027. This amount is expected after adding the new 3.6% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). In December 2025, the average monthly payment for this age group was $1,607.27. The new increase could add another $57.86 to their monthly income.
The amount is not the same for men and women. In December 2025, men aged 65 got around $1,772 per month. After the 3.6% increase, this could go up to $1,835.79. Women in the same age group received an average of $1,457.40. Their payment could reach around $1,509.87 after the adjustment.
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But these amounts are only estimates. Not every person turning 65 in 2027 will get the same money. The final payment depends on how much a person earned during their working years and when they decide to claim Social Security.
How Does Retirement Age Affect Social Security Payments?
Reaching 65 is an important age for Americans because most people can start getting Medicare coverage at this age. But getting Medicare doesn’t mean a person will also receive their full Social Security retirement payment.
People born in 1960 or later have to wait until age 67 to reach their full retirement age. If they start taking Social Security at 65, their monthly payment will be around 13.3% lower. This means they’ll receive about 86.7% of the amount they could get by waiting until 67.
People who don’t need the money right away can also wait longer to claim their benefits. For every year they delay after reaching 67, their monthly payment can grow by around 8%. This increase is available until they reach 70 by then their benefit can become 124% of the full retirement amount.
Waiting isn’t always possible for everyone. Some people may need money to pay their daily expenses or may have health problems that make early retirement a better choice.
What Else is Changing for Social Security in 2027?
The SSA announced the 3.6% COLA on October 14, 2026. The higher Social Security payments will begin in January 2027. The SSA also said retirement benefits “will increase by about $75 per month starting in January.”
Other important changes include a rise in the maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax. It will increase from $184,500 in 2026 to $192,300 in 2027.
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People below full retirement age will be able to earn up to $25,560 per year before the retirement earnings test applies. Above this limit, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 earned.
The maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age will also rise from $4,152 to $4,188.
The SSA calculates retirement benefits using a worker’s 35 highest earning years. These earnings are adjusted for inflation before the final amount is worked out. This is why two people retiring at the same age may receive very different payments.
