Married or Divorced? Don’t Miss This Social Security Tip That Could Increase Your Checks

February 8, 2026 · Personal Finance

Close-up of hands using a calculator and notebook on a bright wooden desk. — Hands navigate a calculator and notebook on a sunlit desk to uncover the vital numbers defining the year 2026.

2026 By the Numbers: What You Need to Know

To make smart decisions, you need the current data. The financial landscape has shifted for 2026. Use these verified figures to plan your budget.

Category	2025 Figure	2026 Figure (New)
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)	2.5%	2.8%
Taxable Earnings Cap (Max income subject to SS tax)	$176,100	$184,500
Earnings Limit (Under FRA) ($1 withheld for every $2 earned)	$23,400	$24,480
Earnings Limit (Year Reaching FRA) ($1 withheld for every $3 earned)	$62,160	$65,160
Full Retirement Age (FRA)	66 & 10 months (Born 1959)	67 (Born 1960+)

Data Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA) Updates & COLA Fact Sheets 2025-2026.

A man in his home office circling a date on a calendar, representing his Full Retirement Age. — A man circles a key date on his calendar while tracking his countdown to full retirement age.

Why FRA Matters More Than Ever

For anyone born in 1960 or later, the Full Retirement Age is now 67. This is the age at which you get 100% of your earned benefit. If you file for spousal or divorced benefits before 67, your check will be permanently reduced—often to as little as 32.5% or 35% of the primary earner’s amount, rather than the full 50%.