The 2021 Social Security COLA adjustment will be 1.3% effective with January 2021 annuity payments.

How it Works

The 2021 Social Security COLA is based on the third quarter (July, August, September) average CPI-W index (1982-84=100) in 2020 over the 2019 third quarter average.

Past Social Security COLA Increases

Year Social Security COLA
2021 1.3%
2020 1.6%
2019 2.80%
2018 2.00%
2017 0.30%
2016 0.00%
2015 1.70%
2014 1.50%
2013 1.70%
2012 3.60%
2011 0.00%
2010 0.00%
2009 5.80%
2008 2.30%
2007 3.30%
2006 4.10%
2005 2.70%
2004 2.10%
2003 1.40%
2002 2.60%
2001 3.50%
2000 2.40%
1999 1.30%
1998 2.10%
1997 2.90%
1996 2.60%
1995

2.80%