6 2026 Social Security Rules for Beneficiaries Taking Effect Today

Core Points - The Social Security program will undergo several changes in 2026 that will impact beneficiaries, including an increase in benefits and adjustments to eligibility criteria [1] Group 1: Benefit Adjustments - Benefits will increase by 2.8%, raising the average monthly benefit from $2,015 to $2,071, which is a $56 increase [3] - The maximum monthly benefit for the wealthiest beneficiaries will rise to $5,251 from $5,108, requiring maximum taxable earnings for at least 35 years [5] Group 2: Retirement Age and Claiming Benefits - The full retirement age (FRA) has increased to 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later, with no further increases planned at this time [6][7] - Early claimers turning 62 in 2026 will see a maximum benefit of $2,969 per month, although this is 30% less than what they would receive at FRA [8][9] Group 3: Earnings Test Adjustments - The earnings test thresholds have increased, allowing beneficiaries under FRA to earn up to $24,480 before losing $1 for every $2 earned, up from $23,400 in 2025 [10][11] - For those reaching FRA in 2026, the threshold will be $65,160, allowing them to lose $1 for every $3 earned over this limit [11] Group 4: Disability Benefits - The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits for disabled beneficiaries have increased, allowing blind individuals to earn up to $2,830 and non-blind individuals up to $1,690 without losing benefits [13]