Social Security Administration Announces the 2026 Cost-of-Living-Adjustment

Be Prepared to View Your New Benefit Amount with a Personal my Social Security Account 75 million Americans will receive a 2.8 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2026. Who will receive a COLA notice? Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices will be sent to retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. Take action by November 19 to view your new benefit amount online Starting in late November, you may be able to securely view and save your Social Security COLA notice within your personal my Social Security account. Log in to or create an account and edit your Communication & Notification Preferences to receive secure online notices, up to three weeks earlier than by mail. What are the benefits of a personal my Social Security account? A personal my Social Security account comes with a wide range of benefits that make managing your information easier and more secure. Many important notifications — such as the COLA notice and the 1099 and 1042S benefit statements — are available online. You don't have to wait for them to arrive by mail or worry about them getting lost. With your account, you can also request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of a claim, update your address, and set up or change your direct deposit information. And that's just the beginning. New features are added regularly to enhance your experience. Log in to or create your account today and take the next step toward going digital with Social Security. Go Digital! Create an Account Today.

Stay Connected with Social Security: Join the millions and discover your benefits! Open an online my Social Security account.

Correcting the Record About Social Security Direct Deposit and Telephone Services

Recent reports in the media that Social Security plans to eliminate telephone services are inaccurate. SSA is increasing its protection for America’s seniors and other beneficiaries by eliminating the risk of fraud associated with changing bank account information by telephone.

Correcting the Record About SSA Direct Deposit/Telephone Svcs

SSA continuously investigates and analyzes potential threats to strengthen and secure our programs and protect people who receive benefits. Approximately 40 percent of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with someone calling SSA to change direct deposit bank information. SSA’s current protocol of simply asking identifying questions by telephone is no longer enough to prevent fraud.

If someone needs to change their bank account information on SSA’s record, they will need to either:

• Use two-factor authentication with SSA’s “my Social Security” service; or
• Visit a local Social Security office to prove their identity.

These methods align with most major banks.

All other SSA telephone services remain unchanged.

Shared from -> https://blog.ssa.gov/correcting-the-record-about-social-security-direct-deposit-and-telephone-services/?

Social Security to Reinstate Overpayment Recovery Rate to 100%

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it will increase the default overpayment withholding rate for Social Security beneficiaries to 100 percent of a person’s monthly benefit. The Office of the Chief Actuary estimates this change will result in an increase in overpayment recoveries (i.e., a program savings) of about $7 billion in the next decade.

“We have the significant responsibility to be good stewards of the trust funds for the American people,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “It is our duty to revise the overpayment repayment policy back to full withholding, as it was during the Obama administration and first Trump administration, to properly safeguard taxpayer funds.”

The agency strives to pay the right person the right amount at the right time, and issues correct payments to most beneficiaries. When an overpayment does occur, the agency is required by law to seek repayment.

SSA to Reinstate Overpayment Recovery Rate to 100%

As of March 27, the agency will begin mailing notices about the new 100 percent withholding rate, rather than the recent adjustment of just 10 percent. The withholding rate change applies to new overpayments related to Social Security benefits. The withholding rate for current beneficiaries with an overpayment before March 27 will not change and no action is required. The withholding rate for Supplemental Security Income overpayments remains 10 percent.

Continue reading about this change ->

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-to-reinstate-overpayment-recovery-rate/?

Social Security Announces Expedited Retroactive Payments and Higher Monthly Benefits for Millions

Today (02/25/25), the Social Security Administration announced it is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

Actions Support the Social Security Fairness Act

These provisions reduced or eliminated the Social Security benefits for over 3.2 million people who receive a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security (a “non-covered pension”) because they did not pay Social Security taxes.

Continued reading the announcement on the Social Security page

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-announces-expedited-retroactive-payments-and-higher-monthly-benefits-for-millions-actions-support-the-social-security-fairness-act/?

Boston Globe: "Higher Social Security payments coming for millions of people from bill that Biden signed"

"President Joe Biden on Sunday signed into law a measure that boosts Social Security payments for current and former public employees, affecting nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from their time as teachers, firefighters, police officers and in other public service jobs.

Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also put strain on Social Security Trust Funds, which face a looming insolvency crisis.

Social Security Fairness Act

The bill rescinds two provisions — the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset — that limit Social Security benefits for recipients if they get retirement payments from other sources, including public retirement programs from a state or local government.

“The bill I’m signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have worked hard all their life to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity — that’s the entire purpose of the Social Security system,” Biden said during a signing ceremony in the White House East Room."

Continue reading the Globe article (subscription maybe required) -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/05/business/higher-social-security-payments/

Note: my wife and I stand to benefit from this change. She had worked in the private sector before spending 20+ years teaching in the Franklin School System. 

Boston Globe: "Senate passes Social Security benefits boost for many public service retirees"

"The Senate passed legislation early Saturday to boost Social Security payments for millions of people, pushing a longtime priority for former public employees through Congress in one of its last acts for the year.

The bipartisan bill, which next heads to President Joe Biden, will eliminate longtime reductions to Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from work in federal, state and local government, or public service jobs like teachers, firefighters and police officers. Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades-old disparity, though it will also put further strain on Social Security Trust Funds.

The legislation has been decades in the making but the push to pass it came together in the final weeks — and was completed in the final minutes — that lawmakers were in Washington before Congress resets next year. All Senate Democrats, as well as 27 Republicans, voted for the bill, giving it a final tally of 76-20."

Continue reading the Bost Globe article (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/20/nation/senate-vote-social-security/

Washington Post: "Social Security issues 2.5% COLA increase"

"Social Security recipients will see a 2.5 percent increase in their monthly checks next year, the federal government announced Thursday. It’s a smaller hike than in recent years, which was expected given the cooling of inflation.

Soaring prices in recent years brought unusually large cost-of-living increases in benefit checks, since Social Security payouts are automatically adjusted once a year based on a government measure of inflation. The annual adjustment, known as COLA, brought seniors a 5.9 percent boost in 2022, an 8.7 percent increase in 2023 (the largest in about 40 years) and a 3.2 percent increase in 2024."

Continue reading the article online via my "gift link" (no subscription required via this link) ->  https://wapo.st/489gZaY

Washington Post: "Social Security issues 2.5% COLA increase"

Social Security Matters: Celebrate the ADA and Ticket to Work During Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a month-long celebration to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The landmark legislation was signed into law on July 26, 1990. It guarantees that people with disabilities can enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in schools, workplaces, transportation, and other spaces and places open to the public.

Our Ticket to Work program relates to the employment piece of the ADA. It celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. President Bill Clinton signed the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 that created the program. The goal is to help more people with disabilities go to work, reach financial independence, and reduce or eliminate their need for benefits.

Continue reading the article at the Social Security Matters blog -> 

https://blog.ssa.gov/celebrate-the-ada-and-ticket-to-work-during-disability-pride-month/?

Social Security Matters: Celebrate the ADA and Ticket to Work During Disability Pride Month

 

Government Programs for Children With Special Needs

"For parents of a child with special needs, providing the support and resources their child requires can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there is help. Let’s explore the most popular government programs available.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI provides payments to adults and children who have disabilities or blindness.

You can learn more on Social Security’s SSI for Children page. For more information about services and supports for SSI transition-aged youths (ages 14 to 17), visit the Youth Resources page."

Continue reading the article on the SSA page -> https://blog.ssa.gov/government-programs-for-children-with-special-needs/

Government Programs for Children With Special Needs

Changes To Past Relevant Work and Disability Determinations

Via Social Security Administration: 

"In general, Social Security finds adult applicants to be disabled only if they have a severe medical condition that either prevents them from doing any substantial work for at least 1 year or is expected to result in death.

Based on this strict definition of disability for both SSDI and SSI, it’s not surprising that Social Security’s disability application focuses on a person’s illnesses and injuries, limitations, treatment, and work history.

But recalling the details of 15 years of employment – job titles, duties, dates, etc. – can be a major challenge. At the Urban Justice Center, our clients often struggle to provide accurate information from their past. To improve their work history narrative while their disability application is pending, we routinely help them to update and clarify information about their previous jobs."

Continue reading about this important change -> 

https://blog.ssa.gov/changes-to-past-relevant-work-and-disability-determinations/

Related Press Release copy -> https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/#6-2024-3

Changes To Past Relevant Work and Disability Determinations

Social Security Matters: "Learn 5 Ways to Help Prevent Elder Abuse"

"Each year, June 15 – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) – promotes awareness about elder neglect and abuse.

In the United States, an estimated 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 experience some form of abuse each year.

Social Security Matters: "Learn 5 Ways to Help Prevent Elder Abuse"

Nearly 80% of Social Security beneficiaries are 65 and older, and we want to do what we can to protect them.

Here are 5 ways to help prevent your loved ones and other older adults from becoming victims of abuse:"

Follow the link to find the 5 tips -> https://blog.ssa.gov/learn-5-ways-to-help-prevent-elder-abuse/

 

 

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

via Social Security Administration:

"Quick Response codes, better known as QR codes, are a very popular way to get information. QR codes are scannable barcodes that will direct you to a website.

There are many legitimate and helpful uses for QR codes, from paying for parking to viewing a restaurant menu. But since scammers often use QR codes to carry out their schemes, it’s important for you to learn how to spot a fake!

Scammers create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information."

Continue reading the article online to get those tips 

https://blog.ssa.gov/protecting-yourself-from-qr-code-fraud/

Protecting Yourself from QR Code Fraud

Smart Social Security Strategies for Women

Smart Social Security Strategies for Women

"While many women plan to claim Social Security retirement benefits, they may not know about how various factors could impact their monthly payment.

More women are working than ever before, but their average benefits are lower than those for men because women typically earn less over their lifetime. In addition, falling marriage rates mean fewer women are in a position to claim spouse’s and survivor benefits.

Here are some important points for women to consider when planning to apply for Social Security benefits:  "

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://blog.ssa.gov/smart-social-security-strategies-for-women/

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you're still working or are delaying applying so you can get the higher benefit. 

If you're age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you're owed. Your benefits will not increase if you continue to delay applying for them because you are 70 or older.

Did you know that you can receive benefits even if you still work? Your earnings can increase your monthly benefit amount – even after you start receiving benefits. Each year that you work, we check your earnings record. It’s possible your latest year of earnings is one of your highest 35 years. If so, we will automatically recalculate your benefit amount and pay you any increase due.

Continue reading the article online -> https://blog.ssa.gov/are-you-age-70-or-older-and-not-yet-getting-your-social-security-retirement-benefits/

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Recognizing the Needs of People on the Autism Spectrum and Their Families

Social Security’s programs touch the lives of nearly every American. We remain steadfast in our commitment to reducing barriers to ensure people eligible for our benefits receive them. We provide income security for the diverse populations we serve, including people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Many parents and caretakers of children with disabilities lose work hours and income because of their children’s care needs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly financial support to low-income families with children who have developmental and behavioral disabilities. This includes ASD – and physical impairments.

Children under age 18 can get SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and live in a household with limited income and resources. We define a disability as:

• The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits the child’s activities.
• The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.

Continue reading the article on the Social Security page->

https://blog.ssa.gov/recognizing-the-needs-of-people-on-the-autism-spectrum-and-their-families/

Recognizing the Needs of People on the Autism Spectrum and Their Families

 

Slam the Scam: Keep Your Personal Information

Slam the Scam: Keep Your Personal Information 03/16/2023 02:50 PM EDT Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam? Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information.  There are common elements to many of these scams. Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim ...  Continue reading ->  https://blog.ssa.gov/slam-the-scam-keep-your-personal-information/

Join the millions and discover your benefits! Open a my Social Security account

Social Security’s Plain Language Is “An Excellent Model to Follow”

"I know how important it is that we communicate information to you—and everyone—in a clear and concise way. Our programs and policies can sometimes be complex and difficult. This is why we strive to use plain language that is easy to read, understand, and use.

I am proud to say that we achieved the highest score of any agency in government on the Center for Plain Language’s 2022 Federal Plain Language Report Card.

The Center evaluated 21 Executive Branch agencies, including all 15 cabinet-level departments, and graded each between an A+ and F- for writing quality and organizational compliance.

Social Security received an A+ for organizational compliance and an A for writing quality. This is an improvement over last year’s high scores of A+ and B."

Continue reading the article at the Social Security page -> 

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-securitys-plain-language-is-an-excellent-model-to-follow/ 

Social Security’s Plain Language Is “An Excellent Model to Follow”

New York Times: "Retirees are expected to get the biggest Social Security cost-of-living increase in decades"

"Social Security will soon announce the largest inflation adjustment to benefits in four decades — a welcome development for millions of older Americans struggling to keep up with fast-rising living costs.

The cost-of-living adjustment for 2023 is likely to be around 8.7 percent, based on the latest government inflation figures. The final COLA, as the adjustment is known, will be released Thursday, when the federal government announces inflation figures for September. Medicare enrollees can anticipate some additional good news: The standard Part B premium, which is typically deducted from Social Security benefits, will decline next year.

The COLA, one of Social Security’s most valuable features, will give a significant boost to more than 70 million Americans next year. While retirement comes to mind when most people think about Social Security‌, the program plays a much broader role in providing economic security."

Continue reading the article online -> (subscription maybe required) 

https://www.nytimes.com/explain/2022/10/09/business/social-security-cola

New York Times: "Retirees are expected to get the biggest Social Security cost-of-living increase in decades"

Expand Your Social Security Knowledge With These Four Terms

"We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate information clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.” This can be particularly challenging when talking about complicated programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare.

Take a moment to learn a few common Social Security terms and acronyms! 

COLA, credits, earnings record, FICA

Continue reading the article -> https://blog.ssa.gov/expand-your-social-security-knowledge-with-these-four-terms/

Expand Your Social Security Knowledge With These Four Terms

Social Security Celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act

This year, we celebrate 32 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Social Security, we're committed to the principles and spirit of the ADA, and the many ways it improves the lives of our beneficiaries. That's why we're celebrating and sharing Matt's story. As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt story.

As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt was reluctant to tell prospective employers about his disability. He worried that employers would not hire him if they knew about his disability.

Matt's story

That’s when Matt connected with our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This program supports career development for people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, approved service providers offer supports and services as participants move toward financial independence through work.

Continue reading the article

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-celebrates-the-americans-with-disabilities-act/