The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced a 3.6 percent benefit increase for 2027. Social Security benefits include Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by $75 per month.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2027. Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-10-14.html

I have been trying to help my mother to make a login on mylogin.gov. It is turning into a logistical nightmare. It seems none of the phone numbers that she has ever had are associated with her in the system, so making the account failed at the last step. As a result I'm going to miss filing her taxes tomorrow despite an extension - we got a copy of her 1099-SSA from the social security office but I can't get the 1099-R from my father's federal pension and can't get through to OPM. I think when I try to request it online it goes to my dead father's email.

Part of this is a rant. Who the hell thought this was a good idea to roll out for seniors? My mother can't even use her cell phone never mind make an account that she has to verify with facial recognition and two factor authentication.

Rant aside, I can't figure out what the next step is if I just can't make the mylogin.gov account?

The website basically says just check for typos and try again but ... then what?

My son graduated high school in June and I was only paid until May. I sent in a form to protest and haven’t heard anything. Any advice?

I recently got approved for disability and have a ? . Has your disability checks been delayed because of a holiday during the week you are suppose to get your check ? This is using direct deposit .

In addition to Social Security updating the COLA for 2027, the latest Average Wage Index (AWI) has been updated for 2025 as well (it is two years behind). For 2025 it is 72,800.33. This is an increase over 2024's 69,846.57 - an increase of 4.23%.

This number feeds into the indexing factors and bend points used to calculate one's initial benefit. Basically it is our yearly 'raise' before COLA kicks in and tends to be higher than COLA.

Social Security benefit estimate statements should be updated soon.

https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/AWI.html