Social Security

Social Security provides essential income replacement for retirees, disabled workers, and survivors through a pay-as-you-go system funded by payroll taxes, serving nearly 71 million beneficiaries. For 2025, a 2.5% COLA increased average retirement benefits to about $1,976 monthly, with the wage cap rising to $176,100 and further adjustments to earnings tests.

Key 2026 Updates

In 2026, benefits rise with a 2.8% COLA, boosting average retirement payments by $56 to $2,071 monthly and SSI maximums to $994. The taxable earnings cap increases to $184,500, while earnings limits under full retirement age adjust to $24,480 annually ($2,040 monthly), affecting work and benefit calculations.

Benefits and Eligibility

Explore retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, your full retirement age, and strategies for maximum benefits or balancing work and retirement.

Account Management and Protection

Create your online account, access your benefit verification letter, set up backup codes, and guard against fraud. Update details like address or name and contact SSA as needed.

Special Cases and Future Outlook

Learn rules for veterans, self-employed, ex-spouses, survivors, and disability. The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates WEP and GPO, but long-term sustainability challenges persist amid aging demographics.