What's new in Social Security?

The biggest news in Social Security for early 2026 is the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), increasing average benefits by about $56 monthly starting January, plus major changes from the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for many public servants, triggering retroactive payments. Also new are mandatory shifts to Login.gov/ID.me for online access and potential tax changes due to a new senior deduction, impacting beneficiaries' tax planning for 2026.

What is the new information on Social Security?

The main new Social Security information for 2026 is a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), increasing average benefits by about $56 monthly starting January 2026, alongside higher SSI payments and changes to the Social Security Fairness Act impacting public pension offsets, with retroactive payments starting in early 2025 for some. Other changes include higher earnings limits and new Medicare Part B premium adjustments.
 

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

To get $3,000 a month from Social Security, you generally need a high lifetime income, averaging around $9,000+ monthly over your best 35 years, and ideally wait until at least your full retirement age (FRA), or even age 70, for maximum benefits, as claiming early reduces payments significantly; increasing high-earning years by working longer or in higher-paying jobs are the main strategies to reach this goal. 

What is the major change coming to Social Security checks?

Benefits will increase by 2.8%

The 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%. This is the increase all Social Security beneficiaries, including disabled and spousal beneficiaries, will receive, beginning with their January check.

What is the Social Security new deal?

The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. In addition to several provisions for general welfare, the new Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement.

NEW $1200 Social Security Boost Check from Congress SSA SSI SSDI

What changes are coming to Social Security for 2026?

Here are four more big changes you need to pay attention to -- and that includes people who aren't yet collecting monthly .

• Social Security's earnings-test limits are rising. ...
• The maximum monthly benefit is increasing. ...
• Social Security's wage cap will rise again. ...
• Social Security work credits will be harder to earn.

What is happening on March 31, 2025 with Social Security?

At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency's online “my Social Security” services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone.

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 

Will seniors get a raise in 2025?

The dollar amount increase to checks will vary depending on a person's benefit amount, but the average Social Security Retirement benefit, $2,008.31 in July 2025, will grow by about $56.

Why are Americans getting a $4800 Social Security check today?

Americans are set to receive a Social Security check worth up to $4,800 today, but not all seniors are happy about the increase in monthly payments. Social Security benefits grew by 3.2 percent this year, in accordance with this year's calculated cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Is there extra Social Security money coming?

Yes, Social Security is giving extra money through its annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), with a 2.8% increase for 2026, meaning benefits rise to keep pace with inflation, boosting average retirement checks by about $56 monthly starting January 2026, plus potential retroactive payments for some with specific pension offsets ending. 

What's the highest monthly Social Security check?

The maximum monthly Social Security benefit in 2026 is $5,251 if you wait until age 70 to claim, while at full retirement age (FRA) it's $4,152, and at age 62, it's $2,969, all requiring 35 years of maximum taxable earnings. These amounts are for those retiring in 2026, with higher earnings thresholds and Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) increasing benefits annually. 

What is the number one mistake retirees make?

The top ten financial mistakes most people make after retirement are:

• 1) Not Changing Lifestyle After Retirement. ...
• 2) Failing to Move to More Conservative Investments. ...
• 3) Applying for Social Security Too Early. ...
• 4) Spending Too Much Money Too Soon. ...
• 5) Failure To Be Aware Of Frauds and Scams. ...
• 6) Cashing Out Pension Too Soon.

What changes are coming in 2025 for Social Security?

Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100. Social Security begins notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December 2025.

How much is cola for 2026 Social Security increase?

The official Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.8%, announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in October 2025, leading to an average increase of about $56 per month for retirees starting January 2026, affecting 75 million beneficiaries**. This rate, based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W) from Q3 2024 to Q3 2025, provides a boost from the prior year but is lower than the pandemic-era highs, with some recipients still feeling the pinch from rising costs. 

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

You can lose Social Security benefits by working while collecting early, leading to earnings limits; incarceration, which suspends payments; or through garnishment for federal debts like taxes, student loans, or child support, along with other factors like remarriage or changes in disability status. 

What big changes are coming to Social Security in 2026?

Starting January 2026, around 75 million Americans will receive a $56 increase in monthly Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the upcoming year, a slight uptick from the 2.5% raise the year before.

How many people have $500,000 in their retirement account?

While exact numbers vary by source and year, recent data suggests around 7-9% of American households have $500,000 or more in retirement savings, though many more have significant savings in the $100k-$500k range, with a large portion of the population having much less, highlighting a big gap between the average (which is higher due to wealthy individuals) and the median (typical) saver. 

What is the $5108 Social Security payment?

A $5,108 Social Security payment is the maximum possible monthly retirement benefit for someone who waited until age 70 to claim benefits, having worked at least 35 years and earned the maximum taxable income. It's not a universal payment but a top-tier amount, with lower benefits for retiring earlier (e.g., $2,831 at 62, around $4,000 at full retirement age), and the exact amount depends on your earnings history and benefit start date.
 

Can you get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

Yes, getting $3,000 a month from Social Security is possible, especially by waiting until age 70 to claim benefits and having consistently high earnings, though it's near the maximum for many, requiring strong earnings over 35 years to hit that amount, as shown in U.S. News Money articles, Social Security Administration FAQs, Experian and other sources. 

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?

Costs for Part B (Medical Insurance)

$185 each month ($202.90 in 2026) (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You'll pay the premium each month, even if you don't get any Part B-covered services.

What to do when Social Security is not enough to live on?

When Social Security isn't enough, supplement your income by exploring other government programs like SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, working part-time, using retirement savings (401k, IRA), considering annuities for guaranteed income, delaying benefits to increase payments, and seeking help from non-profits like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) BenefitsCheckUp tool. 

What are the two big changes coming to Social Security?

COLA increase, higher Medicare costs and a new tax break will affect beneficiaries' bottom lines in the year to come. From the highly anticipated cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to a less-welcome hike in Medicare premiums, Social Security beneficiaries will see several big changes in 2026.

Is there a bill in Congress to eliminate the windfall elimination provision?

What is the Social Security Fairness Act (Act) and who does it help? The Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025. The Act ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

What is the highest Social Security check anyone can get?

The maximum Social Security benefit varies by retirement age, with the highest possible monthly amount in 2026 being around $5,181 if you wait until age 70, while claiming at Full Retirement Age (FRA) yields about $4,152, and claiming at age 62 results in approximately $2,969. To get the maximum, you must have earned the taxable maximum for at least 35 years, had significant earnings above the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026), and delayed claiming benefits past your FRA.