Social Security is a critical program for retirees, disabled workers, and survivors, and in 2026, there are several key changes that affect both current beneficiaries and people still paying into the system.
These adjustments involve retirement age, benefit amounts, earnings limits, and legislation passed in early 2025.
Knowing the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026 can help you plan ahead and understand what to expect.
What is happening to the full retirement age under Social Security in 2026?
One of the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026 involves the full retirement age (FRA). For people born in 1960 or later, the FRA officially increases to 67.
This means anyone reaching retirement in 2026 or beyond must wait until 67 to receive their full benefit.
In comparison, people born in 1959 have an FRA of 66 years and 10 months.
The gradual increase to age 67 was set by legislation passed decades ago, and 2026 is the first year when the higher age fully applies.
How will Social Security taxable earnings change in 2026?
Another of the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026 is the higher maximum taxable earnings, also called the wage base.
This is the amount of annual income subject to the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax.
In 2025, the limit is $176,100, but the Social Security Administration projects it will rise to about $183,600 in 2026.
Earnings above this amount are not taxed for Social Security, although they are still subject to Medicare taxes.
For high earners, this means a larger portion of their income will be taxed to support the system.
How do work limits affect Social Security benefits in 2026?
Among the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026 are adjustments to the earnings test limits.
People who claim benefits before reaching their full retirement age can only earn up to a set amount each year without having benefits withheld.
In 2025, the limit is $23,400, with $1 deducted for every $2 earned above that amount.
In the year you reach FRA, the higher limit is $62,160, with $1 deducted for every $3 above it.
These thresholds increase slightly each year with inflation, so in 2026 they will rise again, allowing beneficiaries to earn a bit more before reductions apply.
What is the Social Security COLA expected to be in 2026?
A key item in the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026 is the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
The COLA ensures benefits keep pace with inflation, using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W).
After a 2.5 percent increase in 2025, the projected COLA for 2026 is about 2.7 percent, though the final figure will be announced in October 2025.
This means monthly benefits will increase again in January 2026, but the exact rise depends on inflation trends through late 2025.
How does the repeal of WEP and GPO affect Social Security in 2026?
One of the biggest 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026 stems from legislation passed in January 2025.
The Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These rules reduced Social Security benefits for people who also received certain public pensions, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
Their repeal means affected workers will now receive full Social Security benefits without offsets.
By 2026, many of these beneficiaries will also have received back payments owed for past reductions.
How does Social Security’s trust fund outlook shape 2026?
When looking at the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026, the long-term financial picture is also part of the discussion.
The Social Security Trustees report shows that without reforms, the combined trust funds may be depleted by 2033 or 2034.
If no action is taken, benefits would face an across-the-board cut of about 20 percent.
While this does not happen in 2026, the conversation about solvency will shape policy debates in that year.
Lawmakers are considering options such as raising the payroll tax cap further, adjusting COLA formulas, or changing benefit calculations.
What other adjustments are part of the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026?
The last of the 6 changes coming to Social Security in 2026 involves smaller but still important updates.
The maximum monthly benefit will rise for those retiring at full retirement age, reflecting the higher wage base and COLA.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amounts will also be adjusted upward.
Medicare Part B premiums, which are deducted from most Social Security checks, may rise as well, slightly reducing the net increase in payments.
Together, these changes show how each year brings new rules that impact what retirees, disabled workers, and survivors actually receive.
