OFFICIAL SSA FACT SHEET

2026 Social Security Changes

A concise official reference for the 2026 COLA, taxable wage base, earnings-test limits, benefit amounts, SSI figures, and related Social Security thresholds.

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Official Fact SheetSocial Security Administration

What this resource explores

The Social Security Administration updates several benefit, tax, and earnings figures each year. This official fact sheet brings the key 2026 changes together in one printable reference.

Source: Social Security Administration
Last reviewed: July 27, 2026

Key Takeaways

The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment is 2.8%.
The Social Security taxable maximum is $184,500 for 2026.
The annual earnings-test limit is $24,480 for a beneficiary under full retirement age and $65,160 during the year full retirement age is reached.
The maximum monthly benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age is listed as $4,152 for 2026.

Questions to Consider

Will earned income affect benefits before full retirement age?
Could the higher taxable maximum affect payroll-tax planning?
How do the updated figures change a claiming or retirement-income decision?

SOURCE & ACCESS

Continue with the original source or the next SSFG step.

Official government information is provided for education and reference. Social Security rules should be evaluated in light of the household’s complete circumstances.

Download Official PDF View on SSA.gov

Educational use only.

This information is general and should not be treated as individualized investment, tax, legal, insurance, Social Security, or Medicare advice. Sources named on this page do not endorse Solutions for Seniors Financial Group.