Social Security Is Undergoing Key Changes in 2026. Here's Everything You Need to Know

Core Insights - Social Security has been a crucial financial support system for millions of Americans over the past 90 years, providing stability in retirement finances [1] - The program undergoes frequent changes, with some occurring annually, which can affect recipients [2] Changes to Social Security - The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients is set to increase by 2.8% for 2026, based on a 2.76% rise in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from 2024 [4][6] - The wage base limit for Social Security payroll taxes has increased to $184,500 from $176,100, meaning higher earners will contribute more to Social Security taxes [8][9] - Early claimers of Social Security can now earn more from working before being affected by the retirement earnings test, providing additional flexibility for those who choose to work while receiving benefits [6]