Dallas residents who receive Social Security can expect a change to their payments in the new year. A 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment will take effect in January 2027, increasing the average retired worker’s monthly benefit by roughly $75.
While the Social Security Administration confirmed the adjustment back in October, the higher payments are still ahead. Here’s a closer look at what’s changing—and why the increase won’t translate into the same dollar amount for everyone.
What will the increase mean for your monthly payment?
The Social Security Administration estimates that the average retired worker’s benefit will rise from $2,095 to $2,170 per month. An aged couple with both partners receiving benefits is expected to see an average combined payment of $3,355, up from $3,238.
Those figures describe national averages, not a standard payment for Dallas retirees. Your own increase will be based on your benefit amount, and your personalized notice will show any deductions that apply.
Is this the biggest increase in recent years?
It is the largest percentage adjustment since January 2023—but not the biggest in five years. The 2023 increase was 8.7%, substantially above the coming 3.6% adjustment. Subsequent increases were 3.2% for 2024, 2.5% for 2025 and 2.8% for 2026.
The annual adjustment, commonly called COLA, is tied to inflation. Its purpose is to help protect the purchasing power of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits as prices change.
Who qualifies for the adjustment?
The increase applies to Social Security recipients nationwide, including eligible people in Dallas and across North Texas. Retirement, disability and survivor benefits are included, along with Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.
In total, approximately 76 million Americans receiving Social Security or SSI will be affected. Some beneficiaries receive both, so those categories overlap.
When should you look for the higher amount?
The updated Social Security payments begin in January 2027. SSI recipients will receive their increased January payment on December 31, 2026.
You do not need to register, submit an application or activate the adjustment. It will be applied automatically. Be wary of messages claiming otherwise: federal officials have issued a scam warning linked to the COLA announcement.
Where can you check your individual increase?
Most recipients will be able to access their COLA notice in their online my Social Security account starting in late November. Mailed notices will follow in December for those who have not chosen paperless delivery.
That notice—not the national average—will provide the useful numbers for your household, including your updated benefit and any deductions. You can find official information through the Social Security Administration’s COLA website.
