2026 Social Security Boost: 2.8% Raise for Retirees and More
Published Date: 11/2/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting December 2025, Social Security benefits will get a 2.8% boost, helping millions keep up with rising costs. This means higher monthly payments for retirees, disabled folks, and some veterans, plus updated limits on earnings and fees for 2026. If you get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income, expect a little more money in your pocket next year!
Analyzed Economic Effects
13 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
2.8% Social Security COLA
Social Security monthly benefits under title II increase by 2.8 percent beginning with benefits for December 2025 (payable January 2026). Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments under title XVI also increase by 2.8 percent for payments made for January 2026 (paid December 31, 2025).
SSI Federal Payment Amounts Raised
Federal SSI monthly payment maximums for 2026 will be $994 for an eligible individual, $1,491 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $498 for an essential person. These amounts take effect for payments made for January 2026 (paid December 31, 2025).
OASDI Contribution & Benefit Base $184,500
The OASDI (Social Security) contribution and benefit base for remuneration paid in 2026 is $184,500 — this is the maximum annual earnings subject to OASDI payroll taxes and the maximum earnings used to compute benefits for 2026.
Retirement Earnings Test Exempt Amounts Up
For 2026 the monthly retirement earnings test exempt amounts are $2,040 (lower exempt amount) and $5,430 (higher exempt amount for those attaining their Normal Retirement Age in 2026); annual equivalents are $24,480 and $65,160.
Substantial Gainful Activity Thresholds Raised
For 2026, the monthly SGA amount is $2,830 for statutorily blind individuals and $1,690 for non-blind individuals with a determined disability; these amounts determine when earnings ordinarily show engagement in substantial gainful activity for disability determinations.
WWII Veteran Special Benefit Set
The special benefit for certain World War II veterans for 2026 is set at $745.50 per month (which is 75 percent of the 2026 Federal SSI rate).
Student Earned Income Exclusion Raised
For 2026, the student earned income exclusion is $2,410 per month and not more than $9,730 for all of 2026. This applies to students who are blind or have a determined disability and who regularly attend school or training.
Representative Payee Fee Limits Raised
In 2026 the monthly dollar fee limit a qualified organization may collect as a representative payee is $57 per month (or $106 per month in the special case of a disabled beneficiary with alcoholism or drug addiction who cannot manage benefits).
Assessment (User Fee) Limit Set at $123
Beginning in December 2025, the dollar assessment limit (user fee) applied when SSA pays authorized representative or court-awarded attorney fees directly out of past-due benefits is $123.
PIA and Family Bend Points Updated
The bend points used in the primary insurance amount (PIA) formula for workers first eligible in 2026 are $1,286 and $7,749. The bend points for computing maximum family benefits for 2026 are $1,643, $2,371, and $3,093.
Quarter of Coverage Set at $1,890
For 2026 a quarter of coverage (the earnings needed to earn one Social Security work credit) requires $1,890 in taxable earnings for the year.
Trial Work Period Monthly Threshold $1,210
In 2026 any month in which a disability beneficiary's earnings exceed $1,210 counts as a month of services in the 9-month trial work period used by SSA for testing ability to work.
Domestic & Election Worker Coverage Thresholds
For 2026 the domestic employee coverage threshold is $3,000 and the election official/election worker coverage threshold is $2,500; these amounts determine the minimum earnings at which such workers' wages are covered for Social Security and Medicare.
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