A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for PSERS members who retired on or before July 1, 2001, was passed by the General Assembly as part of the Commonwealth’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget. The COLA – a permanent, supplemental percentage increase to the member’s benefit – was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on July 12, 2026, as part of Act 21 of 2026.
Who is included?
- The COLA is only for Pennsylvania public school employees who retired on or before July 1, 2001 (Pre Act 9 of 2001 benefit enhancements).
- Beneficiaries and survivor annuitants are not included.
When will the COLA be effective?
- The increases will be processed as quickly as is administratively feasible.
- The increases will be paid retroactive to July 1, 2026.
- PSERS will provide communication directly to impacted members prior to the increase being provided with the monthly benefit payment and date the payment will be included.
How much is the increase?
The increase depends upon when the member retired.
Date of Retirement | Increase |
July 2, 2000, through July 1, 2001 | 15% |
July 2, 1999, through July 1, 2000 | 15.5% |
July 2, 1998, through July 1, 1999 | 16% |
July 2, 1997, through July 1, 1998 | 16.5% |
July 2, 1996, through July 1, 1997 | 17% |
July 2, 1995, through July 1, 1996 | 17.5% |
July 2, 1994, through July 1, 1995 | 18% |
July 2, 1993, through July 1, 1994 | 18.5% |
July 2, 1992, through July 1, 1993 | 19% |
July 2, 1991, through July 1, 1992 | 19.5% |
July 2, 1990, through July 1, 1991 | 20% |
July 2, 1989, through July 1, 1990 | 20.5% |
July 2, 1988, through July 1, 1989 | 21% |
July 2, 1987, through July 1, 1988 | 21.5% |
July 2, 1986, through July 1, 1987 | 22% |
July 2, 1985, through July 1, 1986 | 22.5% |
July 2, 1984, through July 1, 1985 | 23% |
July 2, 1983, through July 1, 1984 | 23.5% |
July 2, 1982, through July 1, 1983 | 24% |
Prior to July 2, 1982 | 24.5% |
Read more about general COLA information.
