Sept. 11 is the day we receive the August 2026 inflation report. This will tell us how quickly costs rose throughout August and whether inflation is increasing, decreasing, or remaining steady compared to past months. <\/p>\n This matters because Social Security COLAs<\/a> are based on changes in average third-quarter inflation data from one year to the next. We already have the data from 2025 and July 2026. We’re just waiting on the August and September numbers. On Sept. 11, with five of the six puzzle pieces in place, the COLA estimate expected from The Senior Citizens League will likely be pretty close to the real thing. <\/p>\n It may not be exact, though. If the August report reveals inflation rose faster than expected, for example, that could push the next COLA projection above the current 3.6% estimate. Similarly, if inflation is lower than expected, that could push the next COLA estimate down. <\/p>\n In either case, seniors are likely to receive a larger benefit boost in 2027 than the 2.8% increase they saw in 2026. But it’s a bit of a good-news\/bad-news situation. More money is always nice, but all that extra cash will go toward paying for your larger expenses rather than improving your standard of living. <\/p>\n The actual 2027 Social Security COLA will be announced on Oct. 14 <\/p>\n We’ll have to wait until Oct. 14 to get the September inflation number necessary to complete the calculation. This should arrive early that morning, and the 2027 COLA will officially be announced around the same time. <\/p>\n Once it’s locked in, you can estimate the size of your benefit increase by adding the COLA to your existing checks. The Social Security Administration will also send all beneficiaries personalized COLA notices in early December, listing exact benefit amounts, including Medicare<\/a> Part B withholding for those enrolled in that program. <\/p>\n Use the last few weeks of 2026 to plan your budget for next year. If you still have questions about your benefit after receiving your COLA notice, reach out to the Social Security Administration for clarification. <\/p>\n The\u00a0$23,760\u00a0Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook <\/p>\n If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known\u00a0“Social Security secrets”<\/strong><\/a> could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more<\/strong>… each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after. <\/p>\n Many Americans leave money on the table in retirement. Learn more about these retirement strategies and more, available when you join Stock Advisor. <\/p>\n View the “Social Security secrets” \u00bb<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/a> Image source: Getty Images. The August inflation report arrives Sept. 11 <\/p>\n