2026 Social Security Changes: EDU #2546

Chris’s Summary
With Jim away this week, I review the 2026 Social Security changes from the recently released SSA Fact Sheet covering the 2.8% COLA, the new taxable maximum, quarters-of-coverage earnings, and earnings test limits. I also walk through projected Medicare Part B premiums and the deductible, explain the hold harmless provision, and outline 2026 IRMAA brackets for joint and single filers, including how compressed brackets affect survivors.

Jim’s “Pithy” Summary
With me out in the Utah mountains chasing elk, Chris takes the mic solo to dig into the updated Social Security Administration Fact Sheet—and he brings plenty of insight to go with it! He explains how the 2.8% COLA will show up in January payments, what the new taxable maximum means for workers, and how the earnings test still trips up retirees earning wages before full retirement age. He even touches on the grace-year rule, breaking it down in the clear, detailed way only Chris can.

He also reviews projected Medicare changes, walking through the expected $206.50 Part B premium, the $288 deductible, and the timing behind the official release delays. From there, he unpacks the hold harmless provision—who qualifies, who doesn’t, and why IRMAA can still sting even with protections in place.

Finally, Chris connects it all to real-world planning, outlining the 2026 IRMAA brackets and showing how compressed thresholds hit surviving spouses hardest. He ties these updates back to our 2-1-0 Tax Ordering Number™ philosophy, showing how tax strategy, IRMAA, and retirement income all intersect.