The second wave of Social Security payments for the month of December is coming this week. Here's what recipients need to know.

Social Security benefits are likely to lose purchasing power next year despite a historic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Here’s a look at four major Social Security changes to be aware of in 2026. Each year, Social Security benefits are subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment based on inflation rates to ensure that monthly payments keep pace with rising costs. In October, the SSA announced that beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase for 2026.

While they may be imperfect, COLAs are meant to help you cover the higher cost of living and help ease the sting of higher prices.

While everyone receives the same 2.8% COLA, the dollar value of that increase depends on your existing benefit. Social Security calculates monthly payments based on your 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation. Higher lifetime earnings generally lead to a higher base benefit.

Social Security rules have some changes in store for 2026, such as tax rules and cost-of-living adjustments. Here's what retirees need to know.

The second wave of Social Security payments goes out Wednesday, Dec. 17. See who qualifies, how payment dates work, and what changes in January.

Even with a 2.8% COLA for 2026, many Americans are nonetheless worried about how Social Security will help pay for their rising expenses in retirement.