Free cheat sheet · Updated October 2026
The 2027 numbers that touch your retirement money, on one page: Social Security, Medicare, taxes and the dates to watch.
Updated October 2026 — we'll refresh as official numbers come out.
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Jump to: Social Security · Medicare · Taxes & savings · Key dates
Your 2027 raise
3.6%
$72 more a month on a $2,000 check
It starts with your January 2027 payment. The average retired worker gets about $75 more, from $2,095 to $2,170.
Medicare may take some back. Part B is projected to rise $6.60, to about $209.50 a month. The official number comes in November.
How to read the labels
Official
The final 2027 number from the government.
Projected
An official estimate. The final number could be different.
Not announced yet
No 2027 number yet. We show 2026 until it comes out.
02 · Medicare
Drug-plan numbers are set. The Part A and B numbers come out in November.
What it is
The number
Part B monthly premium
Most people pay this. If it holds, $6.60 of a $72 raise goes to Part B.
Projected
About $209.50 a month
2026: $202.90. Official 2027 number due in November.
Part B yearly deductible
What you pay before Part B starts to pay.
Projected
About $292
2026: $283
Part A hospital deductible
Paid for each hospital benefit period.
Not announced yet
2026: $1,736
We'll update when Medicare announces it.
Part D drug cost cap
The most you pay in a year for covered drugs.
Official
$2,400 a year
2026: $2,100
Part D deductible
The most a drug plan can charge before coverage starts.
Official
$700
2026: $615
Higher premiums for higher incomes (IRMAA)
The 2027 brackets usually use your 2025 tax return.
Not announced yet
2026: above $109,000 single · $218,000 joint
We'll update when Medicare announces it.
Medicare open enrollment
Compare drug and health plans. Switch if a better one fits.
Official
Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026
Changes start Jan. 1, 2027.
03 · Taxes & savings
Most 2027 IRS numbers aren't out yet. We show 2026 until they are.
What it is
The number
401(k), 403(b) and TSP limit
What you can put in from your paycheck.
Not announced yet
2026: $24,500
We'll update when the IRS announces it.
Catch-up at age 50+
Extra you can add on top of the limit.
Not announced yet
2026: $8,000
We'll update when the IRS announces it.
Bigger catch-up at ages 60 to 63
Used instead of the regular catch-up at these ages.
Not announced yet
2026: $11,250
We'll update when the IRS announces it.
IRA limit
Plus a catch-up if you're 50 or older.
Not announced yet
2026: $7,500 + $1,100 catch-up
We'll update when the IRS announces it.
Health savings account (HSA) limit
Add $1,000 more at 55+. No new money once you're on Medicare.
Official
$4,500 just you · $9,000 family
2026: $4,400 · $8,750
Required withdrawals (RMDs) start at
Age 73 if born 1951 to 1959. Age 75 if born 1960 or later.
Official
Age 73
First one by April 1 of the next year. Then by Dec. 31 each year.
IRA gifts to charity (QCD)
For age 70½ and up. Counts toward your RMD and isn't counted as income.
Not announced yet
2026: $111,000
We'll update when the IRS announces it.
Standard deduction
For people who don't itemize.
Not announced yet
2026: $16,100 single · $32,200 joint
We'll update when the IRS announces it.
Extra standard deduction at 65+
On top of the regular standard deduction.
Not announced yet
2026: $2,050 single · $1,650 each married person
We'll update when the IRS announces it.
New senior deduction
Age 65+, tax years 2025 to 2028. It shrinks 6 cents for each $1 of income over $75,000 ($150,000 joint). It's gone at $175,000 ($250,000 joint).
Official
$6,000 per person
Couple, both 65+: $12,000
04 · Key dates
Put these on the calendar by the phone.
When
What happens
Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026
Medicare open enrollment. Changes start Jan. 1, 2027.
By Nov. 18, 2026
Open a my Social Security account to see your raise notice online in late November.
November 2026 (expected)
Medicare announces the official 2027 Part B premium, deductibles and IRMAA brackets. We'll update this sheet.
December 2026
Raise notices arrive by mail if you don't get them online.
Dec. 31, 2026
Deadline for 2026 required withdrawals (RMDs), unless it's your first one. January SSI payments arrive this day.
January 2027
First Social Security payment with the 3.6% raise.
Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2027
Medicare Advantage open enrollment, for people already in an Advantage plan.
April 1, 2027
First RMD due for people who turned 73 in 2026.
Free · Four minutes · Plain English
Retirement money, explained like a neighbor would. We'll email you when the official 2027 Medicare and IRS numbers come out, and send this sheet's updates.
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We checked every number on Oct. 16, 2026, using these sources. Updated October 2026 — we'll refresh as official numbers come out.
Social Security Administration: 2027 Social Security changes · 3.6% raise announcement (Oct. 14, 2026) · Cost-of-living adjustment · Full retirement age by birth year · Medicare premiums and IRMAA
Medicare and CMS: 2026 Part A and B costs · Medicare costs · Medicare & You 2027 · Open enrollment dates · 2027 Part D limits (rate announcement) · 2026 Medicare Trustees Report · Part B projections, as reported by AARP
IRS: 2026 401(k) and IRA limits · 2026 tax numbers · Extra 65+ deduction (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) · 2027 HSA limits (Rev. Proc. 2026-24) · HSA rules (Pub. 969) · Senior deduction · Schedule 1-A · RMD rules
Congressional Research Service: Charity gifts from IRAs (QCDs) · RMD ages
Front Porch Money is general education, not personal financial, tax, legal or investment advice. Some links are from partners who may pay us; see our disclosures.
Front Porch Money is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration, Medicare or any government agency.
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01 · Social Security
Social Security in 2027
All official. Social Security announced these on Oct. 14, 2026.
What it is
The number
Yearly raise (COLA)
Starts with the payment you get in January 2027.
Official
3.6%
2026: 2.8%
Raise on a $2,000 check
That's 3.6% of $2,000.
Official
+$72 a month
Your check: $2,000 → $2,072
Average retired worker's check
Social Security's estimate for January 2027.
Official
$2,170 a month
Before the raise: $2,095 (+$75)
Wage cap for Social Security tax
Pay above this isn't taxed for Social Security.
Official
$192,300
2026: $184,500
Work limit before full retirement age
Earn more and $1 is held back for every $2 over.
Official
$25,560 a year
2026: $24,480
Work limit in the year you reach full retirement age
$1 is held back for every $3 over. Only pay before that month counts. No limit after.
Official
$67,920 a year
2026: $65,160
Full retirement age
For anyone born in 1960 or later. People born in 1960 reach it in 2027.
Official
67
Born in 1959: 66 and 10 months
Biggest check at full retirement age
For a worker who retires at full retirement age in 2027.
Official
$4,188 a month
2026: $4,152
SSI federal payment
The January 2027 SSI payment arrives Dec. 31, 2026.
Official
$1,029 single · $1,544 couple
2026: $994 · $1,491