What changed: 2027 COLA is 2.6% for FERS; Open Season Nov 9 – Dec 14
Get Your Free Consultation
Talk one-on-one with a licensed financial professional who specializes in federal benefits. Completely free, no obligation.
By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated
FERS retirees who get a COLA will see 2.6% starting with the January 2027 payment, while CSRS retirees and Social Security get 3.6%. Federal health premiums are rising again: FEHB enrollees pay 10.9% more on average and PSHB 8.2%, and Open Season to change plans runs Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026.
The COLA
- SSA announced a 3.6% Social Security increase for 2027 on Oct 14, 2026.
- Because the CPI increase is above 3%, FERS gets 1 point less: 2.6%. Most regular FERS retirees must be 62 by Dec 1 to receive it; the FERS Supplement itself gets no COLA.
- The Social Security earnings limit that also governs the FERS Supplement is $25,560 for 2027.
- The Equal COLA Act (H.R. 491 / S. 624) would give FERS the full COLA but has not advanced.
Health premiums and Open Season
- FEHB: average premium +9.3%, enrollee share +10.9%. PSHB: enrollee share +8.2%.
- New for 2027: anyone adding a family member at Open Season must submit proof of eligibility (FEHB Protection Act of 2025).
- Plan changes take effect in January 2027.
Use FEHB in retirement and FERS COLA for the basics.