Latest News
Social Security in 2026 - Motley Fool
Each year, the Social Security Administration implements changes which can effect you, even if you are not yet collecting retirement benefits. Those changes are largely based upon national economic conditions and, for higher earners, will affect how much SS tax (e.g., FICA) you pay from your earnings. That’s because the payroll tax cap (the limit on how much of your earnings are subject to SS tax) goes up according to changes in the national wage index. However, if you are eligible to collect SS, you will also benefit by the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which will mean a 2.8% higher SS payment in 2026. Plus Social Security’s Annual Earnings Test (AET) limitation will also go up (from $23,400 to $24,480), meaning that you can (if working before your full retirement age) earn a little more before SS assesses a penalty for earning more than the allowed limit. Each of these changes is discussed in this Motley Fool article by Adam Levy.
Also, if you’re unsure about how these basics apply to you, or if you have any questions about your individual situation under Social Security, note that the AMAC Foundation provides a free-to-the-public advisory service to help Americans navigate the complexities of this program. All questions are answered quickly, at no charge. Learn more about it here…