Social Security Wage Increases to $184,500 in 2026

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that the maximum earnings subject to Social Security (OASDI) tax will increase from $176,100 to 184,500 in 2026. The maximum Social Security employer contribution will increase $520.80 in 2026. These changes reflect cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to account for inflation.​

For 2026, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax rate for both employers and employees remains at 7.65% (6.2% for Social Security tax and 1.45% for Medicare tax). 
 
For 2026, an employer must withhold: 

1. 6.2% Social Security tax on the first $184,500 of employee wages (maximum tax is $11,439; i.e., 6.20% × $184,500)*, plus; 
2. 1.45% Medicare tax on the first $200,000 of employee wages, plus; 
3. 2.35% Medicare tax (regular 1.45% Medicare tax + 0.9% additional Medicare tax) on all employee wages in excess of $200,000.

​In addition, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026.
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Lastly, the retirement earnings test remains in effect for individuals below normal retirement age (age 65 to 67, depending on year of birth) who continue to work while collecting Social Security benefits. For affected individuals, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 in earnings above $24,480 in 2026 (up from $23,400 in 2025). For working individuals collecting benefits who reach normal retirement age (NRA) in 2026, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above $65,160 (up from $62,160 in 2025), until the month that the individual reaches NRA. After that month, there is no limit on earnings.
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The SSA had a 2026 Fact Sheet on the changes.