For CSRS Retirees:

The 2017 CSRS retiree COLA is based on the third quarter (July, August, September) average CPI-W index (1982-84=100) in 2016 over the 2014 third quarter average. Because there was no payout on the 2015 3rd quarter average, the base remained the 3rd quarter average for 2014. The 2017 CSRS COLA effective December 2016 will be 0.3%.

For FERS Retirees:

The 2017 FERS retiree COLA is based on the third quarter (July, August, September) average CPI-W index (1982-84=100) in 2016 over the 2014 third quarter average.  However, if the CPI-W quarterly average increases 3% or more, they subtract 1%.  A 5% increase in the quarterly CPI-W average results in a 4% adjustment.  If the quarterly average increases from 2% to 3%, benefits increase by 2%.  A CPI-W quarterly average increase of 2% or less will increase benefits by the change in the CPI-W quarterly average. The 2017 FERS COLA effective December 2016 will be 0.3%.

For Social Security Recipients:

The 2017 Social Security COLA is based on the third quarter (July, August, September) average CPI-W index (1982-84=100) in 2016 over the 2014 third quarter average. The 2017 Social Security COLA effective December 2016 will be 0.3%.

Source: APWU