Overview
- Nearly 71 million beneficiaries received a 2.8% cost-of-living raise in 2026, lifting the average retirement check to $2,071, about $56 more a month.
- The standard Medicare Part B premium rose to $202.90 in 2026, which reduces the net gain for retirees enrolled in Medicare.
- Work-related limits increased in 2026, with the early-claiming earnings test starting at $24,480 for the $1-for-$2 offset and $65,160 for the $1-for-$3 offset as people reach full retirement age.
- Disability rules also shifted higher in 2026, with substantial gainful activity (the monthly earnings limit) set at $1,690 for non-blind beneficiaries, $2,830 for blind beneficiaries, and the trial work period threshold at $1,210.
- The Social Security Administration moved to a centralized national scheduling system in 2026, routing more appointments and case issues through one network instead of local field offices.