The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that monthly Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% beginning January 2026. The SSA estimates that the average monthly benefit for all retired workers will increase from $2,015 to $2,071.
The SSA also announced changes to other limits.
- The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax for all workers will increase from $176,100 to $184,500. (There is no wage cap on the Medicare tax.)
- The earnings limit for workers who are younger than full retirement age increases from $23,400 to $24,480. SSA deducts $1 from the benefit for each $2 earned over $24,480.
- The earnings limit for those reaching full retirement age in 2026 is $65,160 (up from $62,160 in 2025). SSA deducts $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $65,160 until the month a worker reaches full retirement age. After reaching full retirement age, there is no earnings limit and no reduction.
For more information, please review the 2026 Social Security Changes Fact Sheet. If you have any questions, please contact the JRB at 888-JRB-FREE (572-3733) or staff@jrbcj.org.
November 2025