Overview
- The last November payment wave is set for Wednesday, Nov. 26, for beneficiaries with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st, following earlier rounds on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19.
- A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment begins with January 2026 payments, lifting the average retiree’s check by roughly $56 and covering retirement, spousal, survivor, disability and SSI benefits.
- For 2026, the earnings test limits rise to $24,480 for beneficiaries under full retirement age and $65,160 for those reaching full retirement age during the year, with withheld benefits recalculated at FRA.
- The SSA is issuing personalized COLA notices in late November via online accounts, with paper letters to follow in December outlining new amounts, deductions and payment dates.
- The SSA projects the OASI trust fund will be depleted by 2033 without congressional action, and a Schroders survey reports 44% plan to claim before 67 and only 10% expect to wait until 70, often citing immediate income needs and solvency concerns.