Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is designed to give seniors an inflation-based raise every year, but the extra money doesn’t always provide much of a financial boost.
The COLA formula doesn’t account for senior-specific expenses, such as increases in the Medicare Part B premium. In 2026, the higher premium will eat up more than one-quarter of the average Social Security COLA, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.
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Because the COLA is based on third-quarter inflation data, there’s nothing you can do personally to change it. However, you can make changes that can help you prepare ahead of time. Here are five ways to “create” your own COLA if you’re worried about a smaller Social Security raise in 2027.
This is an option if you qualify for Social Security but have not yet filed for retirement benefits. Your benefits typically increase by about 8% for each year you delay claiming until age 70, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The higher your benefit, the bigger the impact of the annual COLA.
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If you’ve already claimed benefits but are still under the full retirement age (FRA), you can voluntarily suspend benefits to earn delayed retirement credits of roughly 8% per year until age 70.
Again, the higher benefit means more money from the COLA.
If you’re married, developing the right strategy around spousal benefits allows a lower-earning spouse to receive up to 50% of the higher earner’s benefit.
This can maximize your benefit and help offset a smaller COLA.
Working a side hustle or part-time job lets you earn extra income that can help compensate for a lower-than-needed Social Security COLA.
Just keep in mind that while you can still work while collecting benefits, if you’re under FRA, then any earnings above $24,480 in 2026 can reduce your benefits temporarily, according to the SSA.
If you haven’t done so already, create a “my Social Security” account to view your benefits and benefit estimates.
You can also use the account to get your annual COLA notice early, helping you devise a plan for maximizing the raise.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Ways To Create Your Own COLA Now If You’re Worried About a Smaller Social Security Raise in 2027
