Overview
- The 2.8% cost‑of‑living adjustment lifts the average retired‑worker benefit to about $2,071, with the maximum at age 70 rising to $5,251.
- Because Jan. 1 is a federal holiday, SSI’s January payment posts on Dec. 31 using the new $994 monthly federal standard for individuals.
- For regular Social Security, January deposits arrive Jan. 2 for those who began benefits before May 1997, then Jan. 14, Jan. 21, and Jan. 28 by birth‑date groups.
- Program parameters update for 2026 include a taxable wage cap of $184,500, earnings‑test limits of $24,480 and $65,160, and a $1,890 value per work credit.
- Beneficiaries may see different net amounts after Medicare premiums and taxes, and the SSA advises checking My Social Security or your bank if a scheduled deposit is missing.