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Social Security enters 2026 with a mix of modest boosts and big shifts. A projected 2.7% COLA would add about $53 a month to the average $1,955 benefit, though Part B premiums may bite. The official COLA announcement is expected Oct. 24 after a shutdown-delayed CPI report. Full retirement age reaches 67 for those born in 1960 or later; payroll-tax caps and earnings test limits also rise. Repeal of WEP and GPO under the Social Security Fairness Act is in effect. Even so, trustees warn the trust funds could be depleted by 2034, covering about 80% of benefits.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.