Social Security Changes in 2026: Buckle Up, It's Gonna Sting
Oh, boy, another Social Security "boost" coming in 2026. A whole 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). They pat themselves on the back, tell us how generous they're being. Let's be real: that's a participation trophy in the inflation Olympics.
The Senior Citizens League is already screaming it's not enough. Shannon Benton says the 2026 COLA is "going to hurt for seniors." You think? It’s like giving someone a band-aid after they’ve been mauled by a bear. Sure, it helps a little...but the bear's still out there, and it's still hungry.
And then there's the kicker: Medicare Part B premiums are expected to jump 11.6%. So, basically, they give you a few extra bucks with one hand and then snatch a whole lot more with the other. It's highway robbery disguised as a social program. Is anyone surprised?
I gotta ask: Why is it that every supposed "fix" to Social Security feels like a new way to bleed us dry? What's the endgame here?
Then there's the full retirement age (FRA) finally hitting 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Used to be 65, then they bumped it to 66, and now it's 67. It's like they're playing some kind of sick game of retirement limbo. How low can you go...before you just give up and die at your desk?
They try to spin it as "making retirement planning easier." Easier for who? For the government, maybe, who gets to delay paying out benefits for another year or two. For us? It means working longer, stressing more, and probably never actually enjoying the fruits of our labor. Thanks, Uncle Sam.
It's not just about the social security retirement age, it's about the principle. They keep changing the rules, moving the goalposts, and expecting us to just roll with it. Give me a break. 3 important Social Security changes coming in 2026
And let’s not forget the increased maximum taxable earnings. In 2026, income above $184,500 won't be subject to FICA taxes. Translation: the wealthy get another tax break, while the rest of us continue to foot the bill.
We're all paying 7.65% of our salaries to fund Social Security and Medicare, but if you're raking in the big bucks, suddenly a chunk of your income becomes untouchable. It's like saying, "Thanks for playing, poor people. Now get back to work."
But wait, are we really supposed to believe the system is fair when the burden is so unevenly distributed? This ain't a safety net; it's a rigged game.
Look, let's be honest: Social Security is a Ponzi scheme with a government seal of approval. They keep kicking the can down the road, making minor tweaks and adjustments while the whole thing slowly crumbles around us. Maybe I'm being too cynical, but it sure feels like we're all being set up for a major disappointment down the line. And honestly, what else should we expect?
