If you're retired, there's a very good chance Social Security is an important income source of yours.
It may be that you have savings -- even a decent amount. But at the end of the day, your IRA or 401(k) could run out on you over time.
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Social Security, on the other hand, is set up to pay you a monthly benefit for life. So it's important to keep up to date on changes to the program.
However, it's not only retirees who can be impacted by changes to Social Security. It's just as important to keep tabs on Social Security changes if you're still working and are decades away from being old enough to file for benefits.
Meanwhile, Social Security is set to undergo some major changes at the very start of 2026. And it's important to prepare for any change that could have a direct impact on your financial situation. Here are a few specific changes to read up on before the end of the year.
1. A 2.8% COLA
Social Security benefits are eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, each year. The purpose of COLAs is to help ensure that benefits are able to keep up with inflation.
Earlier this year, Social Security benefits rose 2.5%. Because inflation persisted in 2025, seniors are getting a larger raise in 2026 -- a 2.8% COLA. Keep in mind, though, that if you're on Medicare, any increase in your Part B costs will eat into your COLA, leaving you with a smaller raise all in.
2. A higher earnings-test limit
One big myth about Social Security is that you can't work while collecting benefits. But that's not true at all.
That said, if you're working while on Social Security and you have not reached your full retirement age, you'll be subject to an earnings test. Exceeding its limits could mean having some Social Security withheld.
Of course, another big myth is that withheld Social Security benefits due to the earnings test are forfeited. That's not what happens. The money all gets paid back to you down the line in the form of larger monthly benefits once full retirement age arrives.
In 2026, the earnings-test limit is rising from $23,400 to $24,480. Beyond that level of income, $1 in Social Security is withheld per $2 of earnings.
However, the rules are different if you'll be reaching full retirement age in 2026. In that case, the earnings-test limit is rising from $62,160 to $65,160. From there, you'll have $1 in Social Security withheld per $3 of earnings.
3. An increased wage cap
Social Security needs money to be able to pay benefits to recipients. And most of that money comes in the form of payroll taxes.
However, it's not a given that you'll pay Social Security taxes on your entire salary. Each year, the Social Security Administration sets a limit for taxing wages.
In 2026, the wage cap is rising from $176,100 to $184,500. So if you earn an average paycheck, this change won't have an impact on you, and you may not even notice it.
However, if you're a higher earner, you may end up owing taxes on more of your income next year. That's something to plan for. The good news, though, is that there are strategies you can use to lower your taxable income, like making contributions to a traditional IRA or 401(k) plan.
4. A higher income requirement for work credits
You might think that once you reach a certain age, you'll be eligible for Social Security automatically. But that's not true.
To qualify for retirement benefits from Social Security, you need to earn 40 work credits. And you earn those credits by making money and paying taxes on your wages.
In 2026, the value of a work credit is rising from $1,810 in wages to $1,890. If you work full-time, this change is probably pretty insignificant to you. Rather, it's more likely to affect people who work part-time and don't have their full 40 Social Security work credits.
As you can see, changes to Social Security have the potential to impact you whether you're working or retired. It's important to prepare for these changes so you don't encounter any unwanted financial surprises once 2026 rolls around.
