The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.8%, which translates to an average monthly benefit increase of about $56 for Social Security beneficiaries.
January 01, 2026
high
temporal
Annual COLA applied to Social Security benefits to adjust for inflation.
The Social Security taxable maximum earnings (wage base) is scheduled to increase to $184,500 in 2026 from $176,100 in 2025.
January 01, 2026
high
temporal
The taxable maximum earnings (wage base) determines the maximum annual earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes.
Social Security is widely regarded as politically sensitive in U.S. politics and is commonly referred to as the "third rail" of U.S. politics.
November 20, 2025
high
characteristic
Describes the political sensitivity of Social Security programs
A 2025 NORC at the University of Chicago survey of more than 2,600 U.S. artists across disciplines and working arrangements collected data on housing, work hours, health benefits, and income sources.
November 19, 2025
high
temporal
Description of the survey sample and topics covered by the 2025 NORC study of artists' livelihoods.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is used to calculate the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
October 11, 2025
high
temporal
Describes the policy linkage between the CPI and Social Security benefit adjustments.
The Consumer Price Index calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is used to determine Social Security's Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
October 11, 2025
high
temporal
Explains the relationship between the CPI and adjustments to Social Security benefits.
Social Security benefit payments are funded outside the annual appropriations process and are not dependent on yearly appropriations legislation.
October 10, 2025
high
policy
Description of the federal funding structure for Social Security benefits.
The 2025 Social Security and Medicare Trustees report projected that Social Security trust funds would be unable to pay full scheduled benefits beginning in 2034 and that benefits would be payable at about 81% of scheduled benefits at that time.
June 01, 2025
high
temporal
Projection of Social Security trust fund solvency from the Social Security and Medicare Trustees' annual report.
For the 2025 tax year, a new federal tax deduction of $6,000 is available for taxpayers aged 65 and older, couples where both spouses qualify can claim up to $12,000 total, and the deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income above $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers.
January 01, 2025
high
temporal
Age-based federal tax deduction affecting taxation of Social Security income for older taxpayers.
Beginning with the 2025 tax year, federal income tax does not apply to cash and electronic tips received by employees, with a maximum annual exclusion of $25,000, although tip income must still be reported for Social Security and Medicare purposes.
January 01, 2025
high
temporal
Federal tax treatment change for employee tips.
Social Security beneficiaries received cost-of-living adjustments of 8.7% in 2023, 3.2% in 2024, and 2.5% in 2025.
January 01, 2025
high
temporal
Historical annual COLA percentages applied to Social Security benefits reflect prior years' inflation adjustments.
The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is intended to prevent Social Security beneficiaries—including retirees and disabled Americans—from losing purchasing power because of inflation.
high
policy
Explains the purpose of the COLA within Social Security program design.
Mandatory federal spending does not require annual approval by Congress and includes entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
high
policy
Definition of mandatory (direct) spending in the federal budget.