Image: 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule & COLA
Washington, D.C. (Retirement Desk) – The wait is over. Starting January 2026, over 71 million Americans will see a change in their monthly deposit notifications.
While inflation has cooled slightly, the cost of healthcare and housing remains high. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially activated the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). But for many seniors, a bigger check comes with a hidden danger: Higher Taxes.
If you are retired, disabled, or receiving survivor benefits, here is the complete breakdown of what hit your bank account this week—and why you might need to adjust your tax withholding immediately.
⚠ Executive Summary: 2026 Changes
- COLA Increase: Benefits are up by 3.0% (Official 2026 Adjustment).
- Earnings Limit: You can now earn $23,280/year before benefits are withheld (if under full retirement age).
- Maximum Benefit: High earners retiring at 70 can now receive up to $4,980/month.
- The Warning: Tax thresholds were not adjusted, pushing more seniors into taxable income.
Guide Overview
1. The 3.0% COLA: How Much Cash is That?
The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment is 3.0%. While this is lower than the massive hikes of previous years, it beats the projected inflation rate, offering real purchasing power.
What this looks like in real dollars:
- Average Retiree: If you received $1,900 in 2025, your new check is approx. $1,957 (+$57/month).
- Married Couple (Both Receiving): If you received $3,000 combined, your new check is approx. $3,090 (+$90/month).
Note: This increase is automatic. You do not need to apply for it.
2. The "Earnings Test" Limit 2026 (Working Retired)
Many Americans are working part-time jobs into their late 60s. If you have claimed Social Security before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the SSA limits how much you can earn from a job.
The New Limit: $23,280
For 2026, the earnings limit has increased.
- Under FRA: If you earn more than $23,280 a year, the SSA deducts $1 from your benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit.
- Reaching FRA in 2026: The limit is higher—$61,000 approx. The deduction is $1 for every $3 earned above that.
- Above FRA: No limit. You can earn $1 million and keep all your benefits.
3. CRITICAL: The "Tax Torpedo" Warning
While benefits went up, the income thresholds for taxing Social Security did not change. They have been stuck at the same numbers since 1984.
Because your check is bigger (thanks to COLA), you might accidentally cross these income thresholds:
- Individuals: If your "Combined Income" is between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of your benefits are taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% is taxable.
- Couples: If combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% is taxable. Above $44,000, up to 85% is taxable.
Action Item: Check if your 3.0% raise pushes you into the taxable zone. You may need to ask the SSA to withhold taxes (W-4V form) to avoid a bill next April.
4. Data Table: 2025 vs. 2026 Numbers
| Category | 2025 Figure | New 2026 Figure |
|---|---|---|
| COLA | 3.2% (Example) | 3.0% |
| Taxable Max Income | $168,600 | $175,000+ (Est.) |
| Max Benefit (Age 70) | $4,873 | $4,980 |
| Avg. Disabled Worker | $1,537 | $1,583 |
5. Expert FAQ
Q: Did Medicare Part B premiums eat my raise?
A: For most people, Part B premiums increased to approx. $185.00 (up from $174.70). While this takes a bite out of the COLA, the 3.0% raise should still leave you with a net positive increase in your deposit.
Q: I receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Did that go up?
A: Yes. The new Federal maximum for SSI is approx. $970/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple.
Q: When will I get my money?
A:
- Born 1st-10th: Second Wednesday of Jan.
- Born 11th-20th: Third Wednesday of Jan.
- Born 21st-31st: Fourth Wednesday of Jan.
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