The 2027 annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is officially 3.6%, much higher than expected coming into 2026.According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), average monthly benefits among retired workers in August were roughly $2,087.52, meaning roughly $25,050 annually. Adding another 3.6% is about $901.80 in additional annual benefits.Still, retirees have grappled with persistent inflation and a higher cost of living. Will the 2027 COLA be enough? How we got hereThe Social Security COL ...