Biggest Social Security Hikes Since 2023 Loom for Top-Benefit States

Retirees in some of the highest-benefit states are set to receive significant increases in their Social Security checks. According to advocacy groups, a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 3.5% to 3.6% is expected for 2027. This would be the largest hike since 2023 and significantly higher than last year's 2.8% COLA.

The Social Security Administration will announce the official figure on October 14th, but these estimates suggest that retirees in certain states are in line for substantial increases. For example, New Jersey retirees hold the highest median check at $2,256 a month and could see an additional $79 to $81 under these projections.

The average monthly benefit nationwide is $2,071, according to Social Security Administration data. While every recipient gets the same percentage COLA, higher baseline checks mean larger dollar gains for those in states with higher median benefits.