For 2025, the biggest Social Security change is the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), signed Jan 5, eliminating the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), boosting benefits for some public retirees; plus, expect an annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of around 2.8% for 2026, increasing benefits starting January 2026, alongside higher earnings limits for taxation.
The COLA was 2.5 percent in 2025. Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).
Key Takeaways
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age was $4,018. That limit will increase to $4,152 in 2026. However, you can delay Social Security beyond retirement age to receive higher monthly checks.
The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.)
You're eligible for the full recovery rebate credit with up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income as a single filer or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly for 2021.
Who qualifies for extra $144 added to their Social Security depends on specific federal benefit programs and state supplemental payments. This additional monthly payment typically comes through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) state supplements or special Social Security Administration programs.
The $16,728 represents the maximum annual increase in Social Security benefits achievable through delayed retirement credits when you wait until age 70 to claim benefits.
What is the Social Security Fairness Act (Act) and who does it help? The Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025. The Act ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Has your income declined or have you experienced a loss of financial resources? You may be able to get additional income through the Supplemental Security Income program, which helps seniors and the disabled who have limited income and financial resources.
8 Common Mistakes Retirees Make With Their Social Security Checks
Additional work will increase your retirement benefits. Each year you work will replace a zero or low earnings year in your Social Security benefit calculation, which could help to increase your benefit amount. Social Security bases your retirement benefits on your lifetime earnings.
What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable?
These amounts are set according to formulas in the Medicare law and depend on historical and projected health care costs. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $202.90 a month for 2026, an increase of $17.90 from $185.00 in 2025.
President Donald Trump's "big beautiful" tax law provides a new senior "bonus" or deduction of up to $6,000 per individual or $12,000 for married couples. The temporary deduction applies to taxpayers ages 65 and over whose income is within certain thresholds.
The earliest you can get your State Pension is when you reach your State Pension age. You'll have to wait to claim your State Pension if you retire before you reach that age.
The full retirement age increases gradually if you were born from 1955 to 1960 until it reaches 67. For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.
Costs for Part B (Medical Insurance)
$202.90 each month (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You'll pay the premium each month, even if you don't get any Part B-covered services.
Eligibility Criteria for Senior Stimulus Checks
Those who receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or veterans' benefits are also considered for stimulus payments, even if they do not file a tax return.
Medicare Reimbursement Account (MRA)
FEP Blue Basic® members who pay Medicare Part B premiums can be reimbursed up to $800 each year. You must submit proof of Medicare Part B premium payments via the online portal, EZ Receipts app, fax or mail.
However, the payment amounts may vary, according to the IRS. The full credit amount is available to individual taxpayers with up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income and to married couples who file jointly with up to $150,000 for 2021.
Visit the IRS Get My Payment (GMP) portal at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment to see if you can expect a 2021 Economic Impact Payment. The GMP portal will provide the date when your payment was or will be sent.
Families earning less than $150,000 a year and individuals earning less than $75,000 a year should get the full $1,400 per person. Families earning up to $160,000 per year and individuals earning up to $80,000 per year will receive prorated stimulus checks for less than $1,400 max.