If you’ve ever wondered how much social security will i get, understanding the updated benefit amounts and calculation rules for 2026 can help you plan smarter for retirement or disability income.
For millions of Americans, Social Security is a key part of retirement income. In 2026, benefits will look a bit different than in past years thanks to annual adjustments, rules that affect eligibility, and factors tied to your own earnings record and retirement timing.
(Get your personalized estimate with the Social Security calculators once you’ve read this.)
Whether you’re nearing retirement, helping a parent plan, or simply curious, here’s what the latest figures and rules mean for you.
What’s New in Social Security for 2026
The Social Security Administration has released updated benefit amounts that take effect in January 2026.
- Monthly benefits for retired workers will increase thanks to a 2.8% cost-of-living raise in 2026. That adds roughly $56 more per month on average to benefit checks compared with 2025.
- Nearly 71 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits will see this upward adjustment.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits also rise: the maximum SSI monthly payment in 2026 is $994 for an eligible individual and $1,491 for a couple.
- The maximum earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes (called the “taxable maximum”) increases to $184,500 in 2026, up from $176,100.
How Much Social Security You Could Receive
Your personal benefit amount depends on your own work history, earnings and when you decide to claim retirement.
Average Monthly Benefits
- In 2026, the average Social Security retirement benefit is approximately $2,071 per month.
This number is an average — many people get less and some get more.
Benefits by Age You Start Receiving
Social Security payments are tied to when you start claiming:
- Age 62 (earliest eligibility): Around $2,969/month if you start this early.
- Full retirement age (FRA around 66-67): About $4,152/month if you claim at FRA.
- Age 70 (delayed retirement): Up to $5,181/month maximum for those with high earnings and who delay benefits.
Working longer before claiming increases your Social Security benefit. Delaying past your full retirement age earns delayed retirement credits, boosting monthly checks.
How Benefits Are Calculated
Social Security doesn’t use a flat rate for everyone. Your benefit is based on:
1. Your Lifetime Earnings
The Social Security Administration calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) — an average of your highest 35 years of earnings adjusted for inflation.
2. The Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) Formula
Your PIA is the base figure that determines your full retirement benefit. It uses bend points applied to your AIME:
- 90% of the first portion of your AIME,
- 32% of the next portion,
- 15% of the rest.
The result is your monthly benefit at full retirement age.
3. When You Claim Benefits
Claiming early (such as age 62) permanently reduces your benefit. Waiting until 70 increases your monthly amount significantly.
Other Important 2026 Rules That Affect Your Benefit
Working While Receiving Benefits
If you continue working while collecting Social Security before your full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced:
- In 2026, $1 is deducted for every $2 earned above $24,480 if you are under full retirement age.
Once you reach full retirement age, these earnings limits no longer result in temporary benefit reductions.
Spousal & Survivor Benefits
Spouses may receive benefits based on their own work record or up to 50% of their partner’s benefit. Survivors get benefits based on a deceased spouse’s earnings record — which can help surviving family members financially.
SSI: Social Security’s Safety Net for Low-Income Beneficiaries
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly income for low-income older adults, blind or disabled individuals. In 2026:
- $994 maximum per month for individuals.
- $1,491 for a couple.
Eligibility for SSI depends on income, resources, living arrangements and other factors.
How to Estimate Your Exact Benefit
You can estimate your own Social Security retirement benefit by using online tools provided by the Social Security Administration.
The official benefit calculators let you input your work history, earnings, birth year and desired claiming age to estimate how much social security will i get when you choose to retire.
Estimators include:
- Quick calculators for basic estimates.
- Detailed calculators for personalized figures.
You must have your Social Security earnings record or create a My Social Security account to use the most accurate tools.
Key Takeaways for Planning Around Social Security
- Your Social Security benefit is personal — how much social security will i get depends on your history, age and retirement decisions.
- The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment increases monthly benefits by about 2.8%, giving many retirees a modest boost.
- Waiting to claim Social Security can dramatically increase your monthly income.
- Tools and calculators provided by the SSA can help you estimate your benefits before you claim.
What do you think will make the biggest difference in your Social Security planning? Share your thoughts below or keep checking back for updates!