Social Security
News, insights and expert analysis on social security from the team at Kiplinger.
Getting the most out of Social Security is anything but simple. As you near retirement, the decisions you make could have a significant impact on the amount of money you receive, and some of these choices are irrevocable. You’ll need to move carefully to maximize your income stream. Start with our beginner's guide to maximizing your Social Security benefits, then work your way through our other Social Security features, guides and news stories.
Latest
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 Social Security Tax Limit Rises Again: Who Pays More in 2026?Payroll Taxes The Social Security Administration has announced significant changes affecting millions as we approach a new year. Payroll Taxes
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 The 10 Most Costly Social Security Mistakes to AvoidWant to maximize your Social Security check? Learn the 10 most common Social Security filing errors and the steps you need to take to boost your guaranteed retirement income. 
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 The Social Security Test Every Wealthy Retiree Must TakeWhen you work and collect Social Security benefits before your FRA, you are subject to the Retirement Earning Test that could result in a temporary reduction of your benefits. 
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 15 Social Security Tasks You Can Do Onlineretirement Why visit a government office to get your Social Security business done? You can do much of that online. retirement
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 Want the Maximum Social Security Check in 2026? Here's What You Need to Do NowAs 2025 winds down, the maximum Social Security check sits at $5,108. Want the top-tier payout in 2026 — or at least the biggest check possible down the line? Act before the ball drops. 
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 2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%: What You Need to KnowThe SSA has announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the new maximum taxable wage cap, and the earnings requirements for Social Security credits. 
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 Quiz: How Well Do You Understand the Social Security Earnings Test?Quiz Test your basic knowledge of the Social Security earnings test in our quick quiz. Quiz
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 Six Changes Coming to Social Security in 2026Big changes are coming to Social Security in the year ahead, impacting everything from the size of your benefit check to your full retirement age. Here's what you need to know. 
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 Social Security Wisdom From a Financial Adviser Receiving Benefits HimselfYou don't know what you don't know, and with Social Security, that can be a costly problem for retirees — one that can last a lifetime. 
