All Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase in their benefit amount next year, but the most any retiree can receive monthly in 2026 is $5,251. That amount will go to those who retired in 2025 with the maximum possible benefit and who are now getting a cost-of-living adjustment.
It isn’t easy to qualify for the maximum amount. You’ll need a work history that includes 35 years of earning the maximum taxable income for Social Security payroll taxes. Plus, you’ll have to wait until age 70 to begin your retirement benefits.
That’s a tall order for most workers, but even if you can’t achieve the maximum benefit, you can take steps to boost your monthly payments.
This post originally appeared at U.S. News & World Report.