News
Social Security news
Curated daily from official SSA channels and trusted independent sources. Each item links out to the original.
Articles
2027 COLA Estimate: What 3.9% Could Mean at Age 62
An early estimate puts the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment at 3.9% — which would add roughly $54 a month to a typical 62-year-old’s benefit. But it is only a forecast; the official number won’t arrive until October 2026.
Social Security Could Face a ~$500 Monthly Cut in 2032
A new analysis finds that if Social Security’s retirement trust fund is exhausted on schedule in 2032, benefits would face an automatic ~24% cut — averaging about $500 a month — unless Congress acts. Here is what the numbers say and what they don’t.
Social Security Disability (SSDI): How It Works and Who Qualifies
SSDI pays monthly benefits to workers who can no longer work because of a serious, long-term disability and have paid into Social Security long enough. Here is how to qualify and how it differs from SSI.
The Social Security Fairness Act: WEP and GPO Repealed
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed in January 2025, repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset — raising benefits for about 3 million public-sector workers and their families.
Is Social Security Taxable? How Your Benefits Are Taxed
Social Security can be federally taxable, but most people pay tax on only part of their benefits — and many pay nothing. Whether yours are taxed depends on your “combined income.” Here are the 2026 thresholds.
Social Security and Medicare: How the Two Programs Work Together
Medicare is separate from Social Security, but tightly linked: you sign up through SSA, and your Part B premium comes out of your Social Security check. Here are the parts, the enrollment window, and the penalty for waiting.
How Your Social Security Benefit Is Calculated
Your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, indexed for wage growth and run through the PIA formula. Here is each step — AIME, the 2026 bend points, and a worked example.
2026 COLA Increase Explained: What the 2.8% Adjustment Means for Your Benefits
The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is 2.8%. Here is how it is calculated, what it means for your monthly check, and when you will see it.
Understanding This Year’s Cost-of-Living Adjustment
The annual cost-of-living adjustment is now reflected in monthly benefits. Here is how the COLA is calculated and what the increase means for your payment.
OIG Report Examines Improper Payment Recovery Efforts
The Office of the Inspector General released findings on the agency’s progress recovering overpayments and reducing improper payments.
Analysis: Trust Fund Projections and the Path to Solvency
A new analysis reviews the latest Trustees Report projections and outlines the trade-offs among proposals to extend trust fund solvency.
Lawmakers Weigh New Social Security Legislation
Several bills affecting benefits, the payroll tax cap, and program administration are under consideration. Here is what is moving on Capitol Hill.
Medicare Part B Premiums: What to Expect This Year
A look at this year’s Medicare Part B premium and deductible changes and how they interact with Social Security’s COLA.
Public Opinion Survey: Americans’ Views on Social Security
A national survey finds broad, bipartisan support for preserving and strengthening Social Security benefits.