Overview
- The Social Security Administration finalized a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, with increases applied in January and SSI adjustments on December 31, 2025.
- The standard Medicare Part B premium will rise 9.7% to $202.90 in January 2026, which will reduce many beneficiaries’ net monthly increase.
- Senate Democrats introduced a bill to add $200 per month to benefits for six months through July 2026, though the proposal has not been enacted.
- The maximum amount of wages subject to Social Security payroll tax will increase to $184,500 in 2026.
- Earnings-test thresholds will rise to $24,480 for beneficiaries under full retirement age and to $65,160 for those reaching full retirement age in 2026.