Retirement Social Security

You Have Less Than a Month to Prepare for These 7 Big Social Security Changes

Key Social Security rule and benefit changes for 2026 retirees.

By Katy Willis

Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Dec. 4, 2025

In just four weeks, there are some major changes coming to Social Security that you need to be aware of, whether you've already claimed or are starting to think about when to file. Alongside the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), other shifts impact when you can receive full benefits, how much the net amount will be, and how much is taxable.

Know what changes the Social Security Administration (SSA) is bringing this January so you can, if necessary, adjust your retirement plan.

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The full retirement age is going up for the last time

For people born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age (FRA) is 67. That's the final step in the long-planned increase from age 65 to 67.

While this might not seem that significant, it is for many Americans.

With a five year wait between early filing and FRA, if you file as soon as possible at age 62, your check is reduced by approximately 30% for life. So if you can wait until FRA or even until 70, you'll lock in a bigger lifetime benefit.

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Cost-of-living adjustment is 2.8% in 2026

With the official cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 being set at 2.8%, the average retired worker's gross benefit moves from around $2,015 to $2,071 starting in January. That gives you an extra $56 per month before deductions.

Remember, though, that this is only the average across all retirees, regardless of filing age. Your own gross benefit could look quite different depending on your filing age and your 35-year work record.

To find out how much your gross and net benefit amount will be, log in to your "my Social Security" account and look for your COLA notice. This will also show you whether you've got Medicare deductions and voluntary tax withholding reducing your check.

Retirement earnings test limits increase

Seniors who file for Social Security but continue working need to be aware of the earnings test. If you earn more than $24,480 before the year you reach FRA, the SSA automatically withholds $1 from your benefit for every $2 that you earn.

In the year you reach FRA, you can earn up to $65,160 before the SSA starts withholding. After which, they take $1 from your benefit for every $3 that you earn. At the start of the month you reach FRA, the earnings test stops and the SSA readjusts your benefit upwards to credit you for the months of withholding.

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Wage-based limit rises

In 2026, the Social Security contribution and benefit base rises to $184,500 for employees and those self-employed. This means that any earnings up to this amount are taxable under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance tax program. Anything you earn above that amount is not subject to that tax and is not counted toward your Social Security earnings record.

The tax rates are staying the same, so workers still pay 6.2% and the self-employed pay 12.4%. So, with this increase, more of your income could be taxable if you're still working. If you're earning at or above this amount, you'll pay up to $11,439 toward OASDI each year.

Maximum Social Security benefit rises

For anyone filing for Social Security at FRA in 2026, the maximum possible benefit has risen to $4,152 per month. The maximum you can get if you file as early as possible at 62 is $2,906 per month, and if you delay until you reach 70, your delayed retirement credits (DRCs) will push you to $5,251 per month.

However, this isn't the typical amount, and the vast majority of people receive nowhere near this amount. To hit this level of benefit, you'd have had to work at or above the wage base for most of your 35-year record.

You need to earn more to get a work credit

In 2025, every $1,810 you earned in covered work counted as one work credit. In 2026, that amount is increasing to $1,890 per credit, but still only up to four credits per year.

This is only of concern if you are approaching retirement age and don't currently have the 40 credits necessary to qualify for Social Security. If you're not quite there yet, figure out the minimum number of hours or wages you need to get the last of the credits you need, remembering you can only accumulate four each year.

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Disability recipients can earn more without losing their benefits

If you're receiving disability benefits, in 2026, you can earn $1,690 per month, and blind recipients can earn $2,830 per month under the Substantial Gainful Activity thresholds. Earning above this amount can impact your benefit.

For people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and want to try out returning to work without losing their benefit right away, the Trial Work Period amount is also increasing. You can now earn up to $1,210 per month.

Bottom line

You've got less than a month to prepare your retirement plan for the upcoming changes to Social Security. Knowing how these changes impact your income can help you avoid senior money mistakes and oversights.

Check your "my Social Security" account to see your new gross benefit, what deductions you may face, such as Medicare Part B and tax withholding, and the net amount you'll actually receive.

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