If You Don’t Read Anything Else
- Two new bills could boost monthly benefits — but they’re still proposals.
- A brief Social Security phone-application scare has been walked back.
- Working seniors will see higher earning limits in 2026.
It’s shaping up to be a busy year for Social Security watchers. Between new proposals in Congress, tweaks to anti-fraud measures, and rising income thresholds, seniors may see both new opportunities — and a few headaches — in 2026.
Let’s break down what’s changing, what’s proposed, and what it means for your wallet.
1. Proposals for Bigger Benefit Boosts
While the official Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is set at 2.8% — about $56 more per month for the average retiree — some lawmakers want to go further.
Two bills are on the table:
- Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act – Would add $200 per month to benefit checks (including SSI) through July 2026 to offset inflation. It’s still pending in Congress.
- Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act – Would change the formula used to calculate annual COLAs from the CPI-W (which tracks urban workers) to the CPI-E, a measure that better reflects seniors’ costs for things like housing and healthcare.
Bottom line: Both bills are proposals. Neither has passed yet, but both signal growing pressure on Congress to deliver stronger relief to older Americans living on fixed incomes. Smart Senior Daily will keep tabs on any movement.
2. The Application Process: A Small Scare, A Quick Reversal
In late 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) rolled out new anti-fraud measures that initially sounded alarming. Reports suggested that phone applications for retirement and survivor benefits would no longer be accepted, forcing everyone to apply online or in person.
The public outcry was swift — especially from seniors in rural areas or without internet access. Within weeks, the SSA reversed course, clarifying that phone applications will still be accepted but with tighter security screening.
What to do now:
- Online applications through your my Social Security account remain the most efficient and secure.
- You can still apply by phone or in person, but expect longer wait times.
You Can Make More, But Not TOO Much More
If you’re working while on Social Security, your benefits can be temporarily reduced if your earnings pass certain limits. For 2026, those limits are going up—a small win for folks who want to keep a hand in.
The taxable wage cap — the maximum income subject to Social Security payroll taxes — will also increase to $184,500 (up from $176,100 in 2025).
For most seniors, that change won’t affect monthly benefits directly, but it does reflect higher earnings thresholds across the board.
The Bottom Line
For now, these updates fall into three categories:
- Confirmed: The COLA and earnings limits are official.
- Proposed: Benefit-boosting bills could help — if Congress acts.
- Clarified: The SSA’s phone-application panic was short-lived.
It’s another reminder that staying informed — and checking the official SSA website before making decisions — is your best defense against confusion, fraud, or missed benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or retirement planning advice. Always verify current Social Security policies through official government sources before making decisions about your benefits.
