Social Security Fines Creep Up With Inflation Again
Published Date: 6/10/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 10, 2026, the Social Security Administration is updating its civil penalty amounts to keep up with inflation. This means fines for breaking certain rules will be a bit higher to match today’s prices. If you deal with SSA rules, watch out—penalties are now adjusted every year to stay fair and current!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
CMPs Adjusted Annually for Inflation
Starting June 10, 2026, the Social Security Administration will adjust civil monetary penalty maximums each year for inflation as required by law. Annual adjustments use the October Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI‑U, not seasonally adjusted) and are rounded to the nearest $1.
Specific CMP Dollar Amounts in Effect
The rule confirms these penalty maximums that are still in effect as of January 15, 2025: $9,704.00 per violation for fraud facilitators in a position of trust (section 1129); $10,289.00 per violation for other section 1129 violators; $65,653.49 per broadcast or telecast under section 1140; and $12,799.00 for other section 1140 violations.
SSA Will Consider Financial Condition When Assessing CMPs
When deciding how much to assess, the Social Security Act requires consideration of individual factors, including the financial condition of the person or entity committing the offense. The agency says it will consider those factors in setting CMP amounts.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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