09/01/2026
Cost of Living Adjustment info for Pennsylvania's retired public servants:
For the first time in more than two decades, eligible retired teachers, state employees, and municipal police officers and firefighters are receiving a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their pensions.
Signed into law as part of the FY 2026-27 budget (Act 21), it covers:
🏫 PSERS retirees (public school employees) who retired on or before 7/1/2001
🏛️ SERS retirees (state employees) who retired on or before 7/1/2001
đźš“đźš’ Retired municipal police officers and firefighters in municipalities enrolled in PMRS who began receiving benefits on or before 12/31/2020
đź‘Ş For SERS retirees specifically, a survivor or beneficiary may also qualify if the retiree passed away on or after 7/1/2026
More than 80,000 retirees statewide are expected to see an increase, retroactive to July 2026.
Think you or a loved one might qualify? Check eligibility and payment timing here:
đź“Ť PSERS: pa.gov/agencies/psers/member-resources/retired/cola
đź“Ť SERS: sers.pa.gov/DefinedBenefitPlan-RetiredMembers-COLAS.html
đź“Ť PMRS: pmrs.pa.gov/retirees/cola/act-21-of-2026
Not sure which system applies to you, or think you should qualify but haven't heard anything? Reach out to our office and we'll help point you in the right direction.
