Social Security Benefits in 2026: Payment Increases and Strategies to Maximize Checks

In 2026, Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% due to cost-of-living adjustments, raising average retirement payments by about $56 monthly. The maximum monthly benefit is $5,251 for those claiming at age 70 after earning the maximum taxable income for at least 35 years. To boost future benefits, individuals can increase their earnings or delay claiming benefits until age 70 to gain delayed retirement credits, potentially enhancing their monthly payments.