Social Security recently announced its annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, increases for 2026.

Additionally, they are also highlighting other threshold changes for the new year. Jack Myers with Social Security indicates a maximum amount of earnings taxable by Social Security will increase from $176,100 in 2025 to $184,500 in 2026.

The amount of income required to earn one “credit” will increase from $1,810 to $1,890 in 2026. According to Myers, this is gross wages or net earnings from self-employment, and you need 40 credits for retirement benefit eligibility.

Turning full retirement age in 2026, there is no limit once you reach it, but for the months leading up to full retirement age, the limit will increase from $62,160 to $65,160. Myers adds that key earnings thresholds for those who receive Social Security disability benefits include the trial work period threshold, which is increasing from $1,160 per month to $1,210 per month.

SSI Federal payment maximum amount is increasing from $967 per month to $994 per month - a 2.8% increase. Myers adds that the estimated average benefit amounts 01/2026, before and after 2.8% COLA for all retired workers, go from $2,015 to $2,071.

For more on these figures and the COLA information for 2026, visit ssa.gov.