Overview
- Benefits will rise 2.8% in 2026, adding roughly $56 per month to the average check, with higher payments starting in January.
- In 2026, beneficiaries under full retirement age can earn up to $24,480 before benefits are withheld, then lose $1 for every $2 earned above that amount.
- For those reaching full retirement age in 2026, only earnings before the birth month count, with $1 withheld for every $3 earned over $65,160.
- November Social Security payments go out on Nov. 12 for birthdays on the 1st–10th, Nov. 19 for the 11th–20th, and Nov. 26 for the 21st and later.
- The average retiree benefit is just over $2,000 per month, many supplement income with savings, work, or SSI, and analysts warn full benefits could be at risk by 2034 without congressional action.