# Social Security COLA Formula Flaw

> Social Security's 2027 COLA increase may not keep up with inflation due to a flawed calculation method.
- Title: Social Security COLA Formula Flaw · The Motley Fool | Shortify
- Summary: Social Security's 2027 COLA increase may not keep up with inflation due to a flawed calculation method. Social Security's 2027 COLA increase of 3.6% may not…
- Keywords: social security, colas, inflation, seniors, consumer price index, cpi-w, finance, money, Social, Security, COLA, Formula
- Source: The Motley Fool — https://fool.com/retirement/2026/10/28/social-security-s-flawed-cola-formula-will-be-an-issue-in-2027-despite-a-large-increase
- Author: Maurie Backman
- Published: 2026-10-28T16:36:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: social security, colas, inflation, seniors, consumer price index, cpi-w, finance, money
## 2027 Social Security COLA Increase
Social Security benefits are expected to rise by 3.6% in 2027.
## Current COLA Formula Problem
The current formula uses CPI-W, which doesn't reflect seniors' spending patterns.
## Senior Citizens League Claim
The Senior Citizens League says Social Security recipients lost 13.7% buying power since 2016.
## No Immediate Formula Change
Lawmakers show no plans to change the COLA formula soon.
## Key takeaway

Social Security's 2027 COLA increase of 3.6% may not offset inflation as the current formula fails to reflect seniors' spending patterns.