If you are among the more than 70 million Americans who will receive Social Security benefits in 2026, there are several changes to the program that will impact your payments.
Among the key adjustments are increases in monthly payments as well as Medicare Part B premiums, and higher income limits for those working while receiving benefits.
The Social Security Administration send out payments on a staggered schedule. Those who’s birthdays fall between the first and 10th of any month will be paid on Jan. 14. Payments to those born between the 11th and 20th will be distributed on Jan. 21, and those with a birthday between the 21st and 31st will receive their payments on Jan. 28.
Here’s what you need to know:
Cost-of-living adjustment increase
The Social Security Administration announced in October that beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase in their monthly payments, known as the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA.
Individuals receiving Social Security benefits will notice the increase starting in January 2026.
As in previous years, Social Security beneficiaries are notified by mail as to how much their benefit will increase. The agency began sending these notices in early December.
Those with my Social Security accounts can view their COLA notices online.
The 2.8% adjustment is expected to boost average monthly payments by about $56. For instance, a retired worker currently receiving $2,015 per month can expect to receive $2,071 starting January. A retired couple would see a 2.8% increase from $3,120 to $3,208.
Medicare Part B premiums increase
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced in November that the cost of monthly premiums for Medicare Part B will rise in 2026 from $185 to $202.90, a 9.7% increase. Since most Medicare enrollees typically pay this rate as a deduction from their Social Security payments, the premium hike effectively slashes a beneficiary’s COLA increase.
Maximum monthly benefits increase
The amount a person receives from Social Security depends on their earnings history over their time employed. The Social Security Administration sets a limit for the maximum monthly benefit a worker can receive if they retire at full retirement age.
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age was $4,018. That limit will increase to $4,152 in 2026.
However, you can delay Social Security beyond retirement age to receive higher monthly checks. Someone who delayed Social Security until age 70, for example, can receive monthly benefits of $5,251 in 2026.
Changes for those receiving benefits before full retirement age
You can begin to claim Social Security benefits starting at age 62, but monthly payments will be reduced for each month they’re received before full retirement age, which is between 66 and 67, depending on your year of birth.
In 2026, workers claiming benefits early will be able to earn up to $24,480 annually before Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 earned above that limit.
A higher limit of $65,160 applies in the year a person reaches full retirement age. That year, $1 will be withheld for every $3 earned above that amount.
Previously, the income limits were $23,400 and $62,160, respectively.
Paying taxes on benefits
A new $6,000 “bonus” tax deduction for people ages 65 and older will help reduce or fully offset the federal income taxes beneficiaries pay on their Social Security income in 2026.
The provision, which was passed under “One Big Beautiful Bill” and expires in 2028, applies to people who are at least 65 at the end of 2025 with a modified adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individual filers and $150,000 for couple filing jointly.
Higher earners can claim a reduced deduction, up to $175,000 for a single filer and $250,000 for a couple, and phases out above those thresholds.
The new deduction is in addition to the standard deduction that’s available for seniors under existing law.
Disability benefits
Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can work while maintaining their benefits, but their earnings must remain below the agency’s limits.
In 2026, workers who are not blind may earn up to $1,690 per month before their eligibility is affected. For blind workers, the limit will increase to $2,830 per month.
The thresholds for a trial work period — when beneficiaries can test their ability to work while still being considered disabled — will also rise, from $1,160 per month to $1,210.