Hi there! December’s Monthly Roundup is here with timely Social Security updates and insights designed to help you finish the year strong. As we wrap up the year, we wish you a happy holiday season and all the best in the new year ahead.
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Gen Z would rather cut Social Security benefits for current retirees than pay higher taxes to save the program
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Martha Shedden is quoted in MarketWatch explaining how misunderstandings about Social Security contribute to generational divides around reform.
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Social Security Fairness Act Payments: What You Need to Know
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Martha Shedden shares with Bottom Line Inc. what the repeal of WEP and GPO means for public-sector retirees and why some individuals may have been overlooked or still need to follow up with the SSA.
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Some Americans Could Get New Social Security Numbers Under Bill
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Christina Woodling, RSSA® is quoted in Newsweek sharing how a new bill could better protect children from Social Security–related identity theft.
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Social Security’s 2026 Wage Base Limit Increases—What It Means for You
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Laurie Bodisch, RSSA® was featured in Yahoo Finance sharing insights on how higher earnings in midlife can strengthen long-term Social Security benefits, especially for women replacing lower-earning or zero-income years.
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Start the New Year with a Better RSSA® Learning Experience
The redesigned RSSA® E-Learning Program is smoother and more user-friendly, with an improved final exam experience. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or returning to complete the course, now is a great time to move forward toward becoming a Registered Social Security Analyst.
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Question
What benefits am I eligible for if I am divorced and care for a disabled adult child?
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Answer
If you are caring for your ex-spouse’s disabled adult child (DAC), you may be eligible to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record even before reaching full retirement age (FRA). However, once you reach FRA, if you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and the spousal benefit, you will receive the higher of the two, not both combined.
The spousal benefit could be up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full retirement benefit if you claim at your FRA. If you claim the spousal benefit before your FRA, it will be reduced. The amount you receive as a caregiver for the DAC is separate and does not impact your retirement or spousal benefits…
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What Social Security changes begin in January 2026?
Starting in January 2026, the Social Security Administration will implement several updates, including a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), a higher maximum benefit, and an increase in the amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes.
What will the new average monthly benefit be?
The average monthly benefit for retired workers is currently $2,015. With the 2.8% COLA, the average benefit will increase to about $2,071 per month in 2026.
Does the COLA apply to spousal and survivor benefits?
Yes. The COLA applies to all types of Social Security benefits, including retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits.
What will be the new maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes?
In 2026, the taxable earnings cap will rise from $176,100 to $184,500. Earnings above this amount are not subject to Social Security payroll taxes.
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Social Security Administration Updates
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SSA Reports Improved Customer Service
The Social Security Administration reported significantly shorter wait times and more calls answered in FY 2025. An independent audit confirmed these improvements and the accuracy of SSA’s reported service metrics. Learn more.
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Medicarians 2026
Join us April 20–22, 2026 in Las Vegas for the premier event connecting Medicare, Social Security, and retirement professionals. Register with our special RSSA Partner Discount.
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Still Working While Receiving Social Security? A Financial Adviser’s Guide to the Earnings Test
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NARSSA’s Martha Shedden contributes an article to Kiplinger explaining how the earnings test works, how it can affect monthly benefits, and what individuals need to understand to navigate it smoothly.
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Social Security touts backlog reductions, sharp drop in wait times
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Martha Shedden told TheStreet that “[NARSSA] welcomes continuing improvements in staffing and technology at the SSA that provide Americans with more personalized assistance… and resolutions with applications and claiming issues.”
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©2025 National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, Ltd. has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. The Social Security information provided in this email and on the website does not and is not intended to constitute financial advice. All information, content, and materials available in this email and on this site are for general informational purposes only.
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