Overview
- Benefits rise 2.8% in 2026, lifting the average monthly check from $2,015 to $2,071.
- The first 2026 payments go out Jan. 14 for birthdays on or before the 10th, with Jan. 21 and Jan. 28 rounds for later birthdates.
- The maximum monthly benefit increases to $5,251 for people with 35 years of maximum taxable earnings who claim at age 70.
- Working beneficiaries face higher earnings-test thresholds, with $1 withheld for every $2 over $24,480 before full retirement age and $1 for every $3 over $65,160 at full retirement age.
- Analysts warn full payments could be at risk as early as 2034 without congressional action to shore up Social Security’s finances.