Overview
- The Social Security Administration will issue January retirement payments on Jan. 14, Jan. 21, and Jan. 28 based on beneficiaries’ birthdates.
- A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment now applies to 2026 benefits, affecting more than 75 million recipients.
- Average monthly payments are about $2,071 for an individual retiree and $3,208 for a retired couple, according to SSA figures.
- For 2026, earned-income limits are $24,480 for those below full retirement age and $65,160 in the year a person reaches it, with standard benefit deductions above those thresholds and no limit once at full retirement age.
- The maximum earnings subject to Social Security tax rise to $184,500 in 2026, with analysts warning full benefits could be at risk as early as 2034 without congressional action.