Social Security's Next Raise: From the 2.5% COLA to the 2027 Announcement
Social Security’s 2025 COLA was 2.5%, followed by a 2.8% increase for 2026 and a 3.6% increase announced for 2027. The 2027 adjustment, which raises the average retirement benefit by about $75 a month, follows a year in which forecasts moved with CPI-W data from 2.8% to as high as 3.9% before converging near the final figure. Medicare Part B premiums reduce the net gain for many beneficiaries: the trustees projected the standard 2027 premium at $209.50, though CMS has not yet set it. Meanwhile, the trustees project that the retirement trust fund will be depleted in late 2032 absent legislation, while benefit expansions, lower projected fertility and immigration, and reduced benefit-tax revenue have widened the program’s financing gap.
Key moments
- Oct 10, 20242025 COLA set at 2.5%, about $50 a month for the average retiree
- Feb 25, 2025Social Security Fairness Act payments begin: WEP and GPO repeal brings retroactive checks to millions
- May 7, 2025Frank Bisignano sworn in as the 18th Commissioner of Social Security
- Jun 18, 20252025 trustees report: combined trust funds now run dry in 2034, a year earlier; retirement fund in 2033
- Jul 3, 2025SSA hails the One Big Beautiful Bill as ending taxes on benefits for nearly 90% of recipients, then corrects itself
- Oct 24, 20252026 COLA is 2.8%, about $56 a month; taxable maximum rises to $184,500
- Nov 14, 2025Medicare Part B premium for 2026 jumps almost 10% to $202.90, eating into the COLA
- Jun 9, 20262026 trustees report: retirement fund depleted in late 2032, combined funds still 2034; 75-year gap widens 16%
- Jun 9, 2026CRFB: six years to insolvency, a 22% automatic cut, and the tax law caused a quarter of the deterioration
- Jun 9, 20262026 Medicare trustees report projects a $209.50 Part B premium for 2027
- Sep 1, 2026CBO and CRFB: repealing the tax on benefits would bring the retirement fund's insolvency forward to 2031
- Oct 14, 2026The 2027 COLA is 3.6 percent, worth $75 a month to the average retiree
In numbers
Data and sources (5 points)
| Date | Social Security cost-of-living adjustment | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.7% | 2025 COLA set at 2.5%, about $50 a month for the average retiree |
| 2024 | 3.2% | 2025 COLA set at 2.5%, about $50 a month for the average retiree |
| 2025 | 2.5% | 2025 COLA set at 2.5%, about $50 a month for the average retiree |
| 2026 | 2.8% | 2026 COLA is 2.8%, about $56 a month; taxable maximum rises to $184,500 |
| 2027 | 3.6% | The 2027 COLA is 3.6 percent, worth $75 a month to the average retiree |
Timeline
Earlier years show only their entries' dates and titles. Click a year heading to show the details.
202630 entries
- Announcement
SSA says 2027 COLA notices will use a one-page format
The Social Security Administration said Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified one-page COLA notice. SSA said the notice will provide individualized benefit amounts, deductions, and dates.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 14, 2026 ·
Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of an individual’s new benefit amount and any deductions.
Editor's note: SSA’s October 14, 2026 press release states that beneficiaries will receive a simplified one-page COLA notice with individualized new-benefit amounts, deductions, and exact dates.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 14, 2026 ·
- Update
BLS reports September CPI-W index of 330.654
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the CPI-W rose 3.9 percent over the preceding 12 months. The September CPI-W index was 330.654 on a 1982–84=100 basis.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Oct 14, 2026 ·
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 3.9 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 330.654 (1982-84=100).
Editor's note: The BLS release dated October 14, 2026 reports that CPI-W increased 3.9 percent over the prior 12 months and reached 330.654 on a 1982–84=100 basis for September 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Oct 14, 2026 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
The 2027 COLA is 3.6 percent, worth $75 a month to the average retiree
Social Security announced a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, which it said would raise the average retirement benefit by $75 a month. Nearly 72 million beneficiaries see it from January 2027 and about 7.3 million SSI recipients from 31 December 2026, 76 million people in all. The taxable maximum rises to $192,300 and the earnings limit for workers under full retirement age to $25,560. The figure follows the September CPI-W, released the same morning.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 14, 2026 ·
The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced a 3.6 percent benefit increase for 2027.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Oct 14, 2026 ·
A 3.6% COLA will boost average benefits by about $900 per retiree but would provide an over $2,200 increase for the very richest beneficiaries.
result of COLAs move to December: the third-quarter CPI-W becomes the yardstick, announced each October on How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formula.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 14, 2026 ·
- Response
Frank Bisignano says Social Security will last another 90 years
Frank Bisignano said Social Security would be around for another 90 years. The statement was reported on October 12.
- The Hill · Oct 12, 2026 ·
This is a long journey. It’s 90 years old. It’ll be around for another 90 years,
Editor's note: The Hill reports that Bisignano said Social Security would last another 90 years and published the report on October 12, 2026. The cited quotation appears verbatim in the article.
- The Hill · Oct 12, 2026 ·
- Announcement
Trump announces a one-time Medicare Part B payment
Donald Trump announced that the administration would send a one-time payment to around one-third of people enrolled in Medicare Part B. The announcement was made on October 2.
- Yahoo News · Oct 7, 2026 ·
President Trump announced on Oct. 2 that the administration would send a one-time payment to around one-third of people enrolled in Medicare Part B, which covers doctors' visits, outpatient care and preventive screenings.
- The White House · Oct 2, 2026 ·
Today, President Donald J. Trump announced that the federal government will be making one-time payments of $90 per person to help more than 20 million enrollees pay for their Medicare Part B premiums.
Editor's note: The cited Yahoo page states that President Trump announced on Oct. 2 that the administration would send a one-time payment to around one-third of Medicare Part B enrollees. Official source added: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-announces-medicare-improvement-fund-payments-for-seniors/
- Yahoo News · Oct 7, 2026 ·
- Report
SSA OIG estimates $1 billion in improper SSI payments
The SSA Office of the Inspector General estimated that SSA improperly paid about $1 billion to 333,800 recipients whose earnings were not properly reviewed or recorded. The payments concerned Supplemental Security Income recipients.
- SSA Office of the Inspector General · Sep 23, 2026 ·
“Based on the sample, OIG estimated SSA improperly paid approximately $1 billion to 333,800 recipients whose earnings were not properly reviewed or recorded.”
Editor's note: The page states that OIG estimated SSA improperly paid approximately $1 billion to 333,800 SSI recipients whose earnings were not properly reviewed or recorded. It is dated September 23, 2026.
- SSA Office of the Inspector General · Sep 23, 2026 ·
- Financial
CBO projects OASI Trust Fund exhaustion in fiscal year 2032
The Congressional Budget Office projected that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund would be exhausted in fiscal year 2032 under its projections. CBO said the gap between Social Security outlays and revenues generally widens over the next 75 years.
- Congressional Budget Office · Sep 17, 2026 ·
“In CBO's projections, the gap between Social Security's outlays and revenues generally widens over the next 75 years, and the balance of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund is exhausted in fiscal year 2032.”
Editor's note: The page is readable through the site-restricted search result and states that the OASI Trust Fund is exhausted in fiscal year 2032. It also contains the quoted sentence, and the page is dated September 17, 2026.
- Congressional Budget Office · Sep 17, 2026 ·
- Financial
SSA actuary says Pelosi SSI proposal would not directly affect OASDI funds
The Social Security Administration Office of the Chief Actuary said the Pelosi-requested proposal would not directly affect the financial status of the OASDI Trust Funds. The actuarial estimate was dated September 15, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, Office of the Chief Actuary · Sep 15, 2026 ·
This proposal would not have any direct effects on the financial status of the Social Security (OASDI) trust funds.
Editor's note: The SSA Office of the Chief Actuary letter states that the proposal would not have direct effects on the financial status of the OASDI trust funds. The letter is dated September 15, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, Office of the Chief Actuary · Sep 15, 2026 ·
- Report
AARP forecasts a 3.6% 2027 Social Security COLA
CBS News reported that AARP projected a 3.6% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. The projection was based on the August Consumer Price Index figures.
- CBS News · Sep 11, 2026 ·
The 2027 COLA is now projected at 3.6%, based on the August Consumer Price Index figures released on Wednesday, according to the advocacy group.
contradicts The Senior Citizens League forecasts a 3.5% 2027 COLA.
Editor's note: The page states that AARP projected a 3.6% 2027 Social Security COLA based on the August CPI figures, and the quoted sentence appears on the page. It does not provide an event date supporting 2026-09-11.
- CBS News · Sep 11, 2026 ·
- Report
The Senior Citizens League forecasts a 3.5% 2027 COLA
The Senior Citizens League predicted a 3.5 percent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. ThinkAdvisor, reporting the figure on September 11, said the TSCL estimate and analyst Mary Johnson's were the last before Social Security's expected October 14 announcement.
- The Senior Citizens League ·
TSCL predicts that the COLA for 2027 will be 3.5 percent, as shown in the figure below.
- ThinkAdvisor · Sep 11, 2026 ·
The estimates from independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst Mary Johnson and from The Senior Citizens League are their last before Social Security's expected COLA announcement on Oct. 14.
is contradicted by AARP forecasts a 3.6% 2027 Social Security COLA.
Editor's note: Hand-checked: the 3.5 percent prediction appears verbatim on the TSCL COLA Watch page, and the September 11 ThinkAdvisor report carries the quoted sentence about the October 14 announcement.
- The Senior Citizens League ·
- Report
BLS reports an August CPI-W index of 328.481
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers increased 3.5 percent over the 12 months to August, to an index level of 328.481 (1982-84=100). The Military Officers Association of America put the August reading 3.5 percent above the 317.265 COLA baseline.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Sep 11, 2026 ·
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 3.5 percent over the last 12 months to an index level of 328.481 (1982-84=100).
- Military Officers Association of America · Sep 11, 2026 ·
The August 2026 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), released Sept. 11, was 328.481, 3.5% above the COLA baseline of 317.265.
Editor's note: Hand-checked: the CPI-W sentence appears verbatim in the archived BLS August 2026 release (USDL-26-1496), and the baseline comparison appears verbatim on MOAA COLA Watch.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Sep 11, 2026 ·
- Announcement
Two data points to go: August CPI-W due September 11, the official 2027 COLA on October 14
With July's 3.4 percent CPI-W the only third-quarter reading in hand, forecasts ranged from 3.4 to 3.6 percent. The August index was scheduled for September 11 and the September index, which completes the average, for October 14, the day the agency planned to announce the 2027 adjustment, a return to the normal mid-October timing after the 2025 shutdown delay. The new COLA takes effect with January 2027 payments.
- The Motley Fool · Sep 2, 2026 ·
Since August and September CPI-W readings are needed to calculate next year's COLA, most of the puzzle is still missing. Even though the month of August is now behind us, it takes time for the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile inflation data. August's CPI-W is expected to come out on Sept. 11.
result of COLAs move to December: the third-quarter CPI-W becomes the yardstick, announced each October on How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formula.
- The Motley Fool · Sep 2, 2026 ·
- ReportKey moment
CBO and CRFB: repealing the tax on benefits would bring the retirement fund's insolvency forward to 2031
As candidates revived calls to end income tax on Social Security benefits, CRFB pointed to a new Congressional Budget Office report finding that repeal would move the retirement fund's insolvency from 2032 to 2031 and Medicare's hospital fund from 2040 to 2031, and offered 18 scored alternatives, from taxing 85 or 93 percent of benefits to treating them like a private pension or Roth IRA.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Sep 1, 2026 ·
CBO finds that repealing benefit taxation – as some politicians have called for or proposed – would advance the insolvency of Social Security’s retirement fund from 2032 to 2031 and Medicare’s hospital fund from 2040 to 2031.
- Congressional Budget Office · Aug 26, 2026 ·
In 2026, income taxes on Social Security benefits will total $120 billion, an amount equal to 7.1 percent of total Social Security benefits received in that year, the Congressional Budget Office estimates.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Sep 1, 2026 ·
- Report
July CPI-W at 3.4%: the Senior Citizens League trims its 2027 COLA forecast to 3.6%
With the first of the three months that set the COLA in hand, the Senior Citizens League lowered its projection from 3.8 to 3.6 percent, still the largest raise since 2023, worth about $70 a month on the average benefit; independent analyst Mary Johnson cut hers to 3.4 percent from 4.7 percent in June and AARP said 3.5 percent. Inflation had swung from 2.2 percent in January to 4.4 percent in May before easing, with oil prices about 24 percent above a year earlier.
- The Senior Citizens League · Aug 12, 2026 ·
TSCL predicts that Social Security’s 2027 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be 3.6 percent, which is 0.8 percentage points higher than this year’s COLA of 2.8%.
- The Senior Citizens League · Aug 12, 2026 ·
- Announcement
SSA adds 14 conditions to Compassionate Allowances list
The Social Security Administration added 14 conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list for accelerated disability-claim processing. SSA said the list then included 314 conditions and that more than 1.2 million people had received approvals through the process since it began.
- Social Security Administration · Aug 11, 2026 ·
“With the inclusion of these 14 conditions, the CAL list now includes 314 conditions in total.”
Editor's note: The SSA press release dated 2026-08-11 states that 14 conditions were added to the Compassionate Allowances list, bringing it to 314 conditions, and that over 1.2 million people had been approved through the accelerated process since the initiative began.
- Social Security Administration · Aug 11, 2026 ·
- Launch
SSA launches online disability forms and claim-status tools
The Social Security Administration launched expanded my Social Security tools and notices for disability claims and appeals. Claimants could submit three disability-adjudication forms online and use a Claim Status Tracker at the hearings and Appeals Council levels.
- Social Security Administration · Jul 21, 2026 ·
“Individuals can now complete and submit disability adjudication forms directly through their personal my Social Security account.”
Editor's note: The SSA press release dated 2026-07-21 states that the agency expanded my Social Security tools and notices for disability claims and appeals. It confirms online submission of three specified disability-adjudication forms and the Claim Status Tracker at the Hearings and Appeals levels.
- Social Security Administration · Jul 21, 2026 ·
- Report
CRFB puts the insolvency cut at $16,900 a year for a typical newly retired couple in 2033
CRFB estimated that the 22 percent cut due when the retirement fund is exhausted in late 2032 would cost a typical dual-earning couple retiring then $16,900 a year, a single-income couple $12,700, a low-income couple $10,200 and a high-income couple $22,300, with Medicare's hospital fund projected to hit its own 11 percent cut later in 2033. It noted the senators elected in November 2026 will be in office when the fund runs dry, and CRFB's Marc Goldwein testified to the Senate Finance Committee on August 5.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Jul 16, 2026 ·
We estimate that a cut of this magnitude will cause a typical, newly retiring dual-earning couple to lose $16,900 in annual benefits at the start of 2033, shortly after trust fund insolvency.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Jul 16, 2026 ·
- Report
SSA reports 8-minute 800-number answer speed and 853,000 backlog
The Social Security Administration reported an 8-minute national average 800-number answer speed and an initial-disability backlog of 853,000. It also reported 385 million online transactions in FY 2026 to date and a 30% reduction in field-office wait times.
- Social Security Administration · Jun 29, 2026 ·
“All client-facing service metrics have seen double-digit improvements.”
Editor's note: The SSA press release dated 2026-06-29 states all four service metrics in the summary. Its headline subheading contains the cited quote.
- Social Security Administration · Jun 29, 2026 ·
- Regulatory
John Larson introduces the Social Security 2100 Act
Representative John Larson introduced H.R. 9519, the Social Security 2100 Act. The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means, Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce Committees.
- U.S. Government Publishing Office · Jun 29, 2026 ·
Mr. Larson of Connecticut introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce.
Editor's note: The page identifies H.R. 9519 as the Social Security 2100 Act, sponsored by John B. Larson, and records referral to the stated three committees. It lists the bill as introduced in the House on June 29, 2026.
- U.S. Government Publishing Office · Jun 29, 2026 ·
- Regulatory
House subcommittees hold a Social Security hearing with Bisignano
The House Ways and Means Social Security and Work & Welfare Subcommittees held a hearing with Commissioner Frank Bisignano. The hearing was scheduled at the Longworth House Office Building.
- House Ways and Means Committee · Jun 10, 2026 ·
Social Security Hearing Date: June 10, 2026 Time: 10:00AM ET Location: 1100 Longworth House Office Building
Editor's note: The page identifies a joint Social Security and Work & Welfare Subcommittee hearing with Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano on June 10, 2026. It gives the stated 10:00AM ET time and 1100 Longworth House Office Building location.
- House Ways and Means Committee · Jun 10, 2026 ·
- ReportKey moment
2026 Medicare trustees report projects a $209.50 Part B premium for 2027
The 2026 Medicare Trustees Report projected a standard Part B premium of $209.50 for 2027, $6.60 a month above the 2026 premium of $202.90. Part B premiums are deducted from Social Security checks, so the increase would take back part of the 2027 COLA; AL.com restated the projection on October 11 as the COLA announcement approached.
- AL.com · Oct 11, 2026 ·
The latest Medicare Trustees Report projects the standard Part B premium at $209.50 for 2027, a $6.60 monthly increase from the current $202.90.
- Yahoo News · Oct 7, 2026 ·
Juliette Cubanski, director of Medicare policy at KFF, a nonprofit health policy organization, said Part B annual premiums are expected to rise by $79 in 2027, which would consume "most of the $90 payment.
- 2026 Medicare Trustees Report · Jun 9, 2026 ·
Washington, D.C., June 9, 2026
Editor's note: Dated to the report's release (its transmittal letter is dated Washington, D.C., June 9, 2026), not to the October 11 article that restated the projection.
- AL.com · Oct 11, 2026 ·
- ReportKey moment
CRFB: six years to insolvency, a 22% automatic cut, and the tax law caused a quarter of the deterioration
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget's same-day analysis put Social Security's cash deficits at $3.8 trillion over ten years, the actuarial shortfall at $31 trillion in present value, and the automatic cut at 22 percent when the retirement fund runs out in 2032, rising to 38 percent by 2100. It attributed over half of the year's worsening to lower fertility, a third to lower immigration and a quarter to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's cut in benefit-tax revenue.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Jun 9, 2026 ·
A quarter of the increase was due to the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which reduced revenue from the income taxation of Social Security benefits.
result of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act rewrites federal student lending: RAP, loan caps, Grad PLUS ends on Student Loans After SAVE: From the Court Block to the Repayment Assistance Plan. result of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates Trump Accounts: $1,000 for babies born 2025 through 2028 on Trump Accounts: From the 2025 Tax Law to the July 2026 Launch and the Employer Matches.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Jun 9, 2026 ·
- ReportKey moment
2026 trustees report: retirement fund depleted in late 2032, combined funds still 2034; 75-year gap widens 16%
The trustees moved the retirement fund's depletion to the fourth quarter of 2032, one quarter earlier, with 78 percent of benefits payable, and held the combined funds at 2034 with 83 percent payable. Reserves dropped $160 billion in 2025 to $2.56 trillion and the 75-year actuarial deficit grew from 3.82 to 4.42 percent of payroll, driven by lower fertility and immigration assumptions and the 2025 tax law. Bisignano called on lawmakers and the agency to work together. The Medicare trustees' report released the same day projected the 2027 Part B premium at $209.50.
- Social Security Administration · Jun 9, 2026 ·
The OASI Trust Fund reserves are projected to become depleted in the fourth quarter of 2032, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time.
result of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates Trump Accounts: $1,000 for babies born 2025 through 2028 on Trump Accounts: From the 2025 Tax Law to the July 2026 Launch and the Employer Matches.
- Social Security Administration · Jun 9, 2026 ·
- Report
TSCL raises its 2027 COLA forecast to 3.9%
The Senior Citizens League raised its forecast for the 2027 Social Security COLA to 3.9 percent. The group based the forecast on the latest CPI data.
- The Senior Citizens League · May 12, 2026 ·
Based on the latest CPI data, released this morning, TSCL predicts that Social Security’s 2027 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be 3.9%, or 1.1 percentage points higher than this year’s COLA of 2.8%.
Editor's note: The page states that TSCL predicts a 3.9% 2027 Social Security COLA based on CPI data released that morning. It is dated May 12, 2026.
- The Senior Citizens League · May 12, 2026 ·
- Report
One year of Bisignano: SSA claims record service gains, 800-number waits down to 6.6 minutes
On the anniversary of his swearing-in the agency listed an 84 percent cut in average phone wait time to 6.6 minutes, 20 percent more online transactions, 30 percent shorter field-office waits, a disability claims backlog down a third to 853,000 and hearing waits down 40 percent, alongside fraud-prevention and payment-integrity claims. Critics and the inspector general had questioned the phone metrics and the effect of staffing cuts.
- Social Security Administration · May 7, 2026 ·
Reducing the average speed of answer on the National 800 Number to the lowest level in a decade to 6.6 minutes – an 84 percent reduction from 42 minutes in fiscal year (FY) 2024
- Social Security Administration · May 7, 2026 ·
- Report
TSCL forecasts a 2.8% Social Security COLA for 2027
The Senior Citizens League forecast a 2.8 percent Social Security COLA for 2027 based on the latest CPI data. It said this matched the official 2026 COLA.
- The Senior Citizens League · Apr 10, 2026 ·
Based on the latest CPI data, released this morning, TSCL predicts that Social Security’s 2027 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be 2.8%, the same as the 2026 COLA of 2.8%.
Editor's note: The page is readable and dated April 10, 2026. It states that TSCL predicts a 2.8% 2027 COLA, the same as the 2026 COLA, and contains the quoted sentence.
- The Senior Citizens League · Apr 10, 2026 ·
- Report
CRFB proposes a cap on high Social Security benefits
CRFB published the Six Figure Limit proposal for Social Security benefits. The proposal would set a $100,000 cap on total annual benefits for a couple retiring at normal retirement age.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Mar 24, 2026 ·
The Six Figure Limit (SFL) would set a $100,000 cap on the total benefit a couple retiring at the Normal Retirement Age (NRA) can receive starting this year.
Editor's note: The page is readable and is dated March 24, 2026. It presents the Six Figure Limit proposal and states that it would cap total benefits for a couple retiring at normal retirement age at $100,000, using the quoted language.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget · Mar 24, 2026 ·
- Announcement
SSA moves medical disability reviews to Disability Case Review
The Social Security Administration announced that Disability Case Review would handle medical continuing disability reviews nationwide. State Disability Determination Services offices would focus on initial disability claims and reconsiderations, while non-medical reviews would remain with SSA field offices and processing centers.
- Social Security Administration · Mar 12, 2026 ·
“Bringing in-house CDRs will improve service to our most vulnerable Americans.”
Editor's note: The SSA press release states that Disability Case Review will handle medical CDRs nationwide, DDS offices will focus on initial claims and reconsiderations, and non-medical CDRs will remain with SSA field offices and processing centers.
- Social Security Administration · Mar 12, 2026 ·
- Announcement
Collins and Hassan introduce the We Can't Wait Act of 2026
Senators Susan Collins and Maggie Hassan introduced the We Can't Wait Act of 2026. SSA Actuarial Services prepared estimates of the bill's financial effects on the Social Security trust funds.
- Social Security Administration Actuarial Services · Feb 25, 2026 ·
I am writing in response to your request for our estimates of the financial effects on the Social Security Trust Funds of the We Can’t Wait Act of 2026, which you introduced today.
Editor's note: The February 25, 2026 letter is addressed to Senators Susan Collins and Maggie Hassan and states that they introduced the We Can’t Wait Act of 2026 that day. It provides Actuarial Services estimates of the proposal’s financial effects on the Social Security Trust Funds.
- Social Security Administration Actuarial Services · Feb 25, 2026 ·
- Update
Arjun Mody is sworn in as Deputy Commissioner
Arjun Mody was sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. SSA said the Senate had confirmed him on December 18, 2025, for a term ending January 19, 2031.
- Social Security Administration · Jan 6, 2026 ·
“He was sworn in on January 5, 2026.”
Editor's note: The cited SSA press release states that Arjun Mody was sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security on January 5, 2026, was confirmed by the Senate on December 18, 2025, and will serve a term expiring January 19, 2031.
- Social Security Administration · Jan 6, 2026 ·
202512 entries
- Report
SSA says inspector general confirmed 800-number metrics
The Social Security Administration said its Office of the Inspector General found its published national 800-number metrics accurate and its telephone performance improved in FY 2025. SSA said average telephone wait time declined from 30 minutes in January 2025 to 7 minutes in September 2025.
- Social Security Administration · Dec 22, 2025 ·
“SSA’s publicly reported national 800-number telephone metrics were accurate and its overall telephone service performance improved in FY 2025.”
Editor's note: The cited SSA press release dated 2025-12-22 states that the OIG found the public national 800-number metrics accurate and telephone performance improved in FY 2025. It also states that average wait time fell from 30 minutes in January 2025 to 7 minutes in September 2025.
- Social Security Administration · Dec 22, 2025 ·
- Report
SSA reports expanded online access and faster 800-number service
The Social Security Administration sent Congress a fiscal-year-end update on online access and customer service. It reported moving its online portal from 29 scheduled weekly downtime hours to 24/7 availability and reducing average 800-number answer speed from 28 minutes to 15 minutes in FY 2025.
- Social Security Administration · Nov 21, 2025 ·
“Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano sent an end of year letter to Congress to provide an update on the tremendous progress being made at SSA.”
Editor's note: The cited SSA press release, published November 21, 2025, says Commissioner Bisignano sent Congress a fiscal-year-end letter and reports both the move from 29 scheduled weekly downtime hours to 24/7 online access and the reduction in average 800-number answer speed from 28 minutes in FY 2024 to 15 minutes in FY 2025.
- Social Security Administration · Nov 21, 2025 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
Medicare Part B premium for 2026 jumps almost 10% to $202.90, eating into the COLA
CMS set the standard Part B premium at $202.90 a month for 2026, up $17.90 from $185, with the deductible rising to $283, citing projected price changes and higher use of services. For a retiree on the average benefit the premium increase took roughly a third of the $56 COLA, because Part B premiums are deducted from Social Security checks.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · Nov 14, 2025 ·
On November 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2026 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · Nov 14, 2025 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
2026 COLA is 2.8%, about $56 a month; taxable maximum rises to $184,500
Benefits for 75 million people rose 2.8 percent from January 2026, the first COLA of the Bisignano era, with SSI increases from December 31. The agency noted the decade's average COLA had been about 3.1 percent, and asked people who wanted their COLA notice online only to opt out of paper by November 19. Much of the raise for Medicare enrollees would be absorbed by the Part B premium increase announced three weeks later.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 24, 2025 ·
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today that Social Security benefits, including Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 24, 2025 ·
- Delay
Government shutdown pushes the 2026 COLA announcement from October 15 to October 24
Because the Bureau of Labor Statistics could not publish the September consumer price index during the shutdown, the agency confirmed that the COLA, which averages third-quarter CPI-W, would be announced on October 24 instead of October 15, and said January payments would not be delayed. Forecasters expected 2.7 to 2.8 percent.
- CNBC · Oct 14, 2025 ·
The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for next year will be revealed once September consumer price index data, which was slated for release on Oct. 15, is available. Due to the federal government shutdown, the CPI release has been pushed to Oct. 24.
result of COLAs move to December: the third-quarter CPI-W becomes the yardstick, announced each October on How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formula.
- CNBC · Oct 14, 2025 ·
- Regulatory
Paper checks end September 30 under Executive Order 14247; benefits go electronic
Under the March 2025 order modernising federal payments, Social Security told advocates that from September 30 benefits would be paid by direct deposit or Direct Express card, that temporary checks would no longer be issued on new claims, and that anyone wanting an exemption had to file a waiver with the Treasury. Roughly half a million people were still receiving paper checks.
- Social Security Administration · Sep 10, 2025 ·
Effective September 30, in accordance with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, federal benefit payments will primarily be issued electronically, with paper checks being phased out in most cases.
- Social Security Administration · Sep 10, 2025 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
SSA hails the One Big Beautiful Bill as ending taxes on benefits for nearly 90% of recipients, then corrects itself
Hours after Congress passed the tax and spending law, the agency issued a press release and a mass email saying nearly 90 percent of beneficiaries would no longer pay federal income tax on their benefits. The law in fact adds a temporary $6,000 deduction for taxpayers 65 and over for 2025 through 2028 and leaves benefit taxation in place; the agency posted a correction on July 7 after tax experts objected. The lost benefit-tax revenue would later show up as a quarter of the deterioration in the 2026 trustees report.
- Social Security Administration · Jul 3, 2025 ·
The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's economy.
- Social Security Administration · Jul 3, 2025 ·
- ReportKey moment
2025 trustees report: combined trust funds now run dry in 2034, a year earlier; retirement fund in 2033
The trustees moved the depletion date of the combined retirement and disability funds to 2034, when 81 percent of scheduled benefits would be payable, and kept the retirement fund alone at 2033 with 77 percent payable. Reserves fell $67 billion in 2024 to $2.72 trillion and the program's costs have exceeded its non-interest income since 2010. Bisignano called the trust funds' financial status a top priority for the administration.
- Social Security Administration · Jun 18, 2025 ·
The combined reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to have enough dedicated revenue to pay all scheduled benefits and associated administrative costs until 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 81 percent of benefits payable at that time.
- Social Security Administration · Jun 18, 2025 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
Frank Bisignano sworn in as the 18th Commissioner of Social Security
Former Fiserv chairman and CEO Frank Bisignano took over an agency that had spent early 2025 under an acting commissioner, DOGE-driven staff cuts and a plan to trim its workforce to about 50,000, promising that the administration would protect Social Security and make the agency a premier organization. Every COLA, trustees report and service change on this timeline after May 2025 is his.
- Social Security Administration · May 7, 2025 ·
Financial Services Industry Leader Frank Bisignano was sworn in today as the 18th Commissioner of Social Security.
- Social Security Administration · May 7, 2025 ·
- Announcement
SSA preserves telephone claims for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants
SSA said that, beginning April 14, 2025, certain SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants could complete claims entirely by telephone. The policy applied to people unable to use a personal my Social Security account.
- Social Security Administration · Mar 26, 2025 ·
Under the updated policy beginning April 14, 2025, individuals applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who cannot use a personal my Social Security account can complete their claim entirely over the telephone without the need to come into an office.
responded to SSA sets a staffing target of 50,000 employees.
Editor's note: The SSA press release dated 2025-03-26 states that, beginning April 14, 2025, eligible SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants who cannot use a personal my Social Security account may complete claims entirely by telephone. The quoted text appears on the page.
- Social Security Administration · Mar 26, 2025 ·
- Announcement
SSA sets a staffing target of 50,000 employees
The Social Security Administration said it had set a staffing target of 50,000 employees. It said its current workforce was approximately 57,000 employees.
- Social Security Administration · Feb 28, 2025 ·
Social Security recently set a staffing target of 50,000, down from the current level of approximately 57,000 employees.
was answered by SSA preserves telephone claims for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants.
Editor's note: The SSA press release dated February 28, 2025 states that it set a staffing target of 50,000, down from approximately 57,000 employees. The quoted sentence appears on the page.
- Social Security Administration · Feb 28, 2025 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
Social Security Fairness Act payments begin: WEP and GPO repeal brings retroactive checks to millions
Seven weeks after President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act on January 5, 2025, repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, the agency said it was immediately starting retroactive payments back to January 2024, most to arrive by the end of March, and would raise monthly benefits from April for more than 3 million public-sector retirees, teachers, firefighters and their spouses. The law added an estimated $196 billion to Social Security's costs over ten years.
- Social Security Administration · Feb 25, 2025 ·
Today, the Social Security Administration announced it is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
- Social Security Administration · Feb 25, 2025 ·
- Dec 22, 2025SSA says inspector general confirmed 800-number metrics
- Nov 21, 2025SSA reports expanded online access and faster 800-number service
- Nov 14, 2025Medicare Part B premium for 2026 jumps almost 10% to $202.90, eating into the COLA
- Oct 24, 20252026 COLA is 2.8%, about $56 a month; taxable maximum rises to $184,500
- Oct 14, 2025Government shutdown pushes the 2026 COLA announcement from October 15 to October 24
- Sep 10, 2025Paper checks end September 30 under Executive Order 14247; benefits go electronic
- Jul 3, 2025SSA hails the One Big Beautiful Bill as ending taxes on benefits for nearly 90% of recipients, then corrects itself
- Jun 18, 20252025 trustees report: combined trust funds now run dry in 2034, a year earlier; retirement fund in 2033
- May 7, 2025Frank Bisignano sworn in as the 18th Commissioner of Social Security
- Mar 26, 2025SSA preserves telephone claims for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants
- Feb 28, 2025SSA sets a staffing target of 50,000 employees
- Feb 25, 2025Social Security Fairness Act payments begin: WEP and GPO repeal brings retroactive checks to millions
20241 entry
- AnnouncementKey moment
2025 COLA set at 2.5%, about $50 a month for the average retiree
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2025 for more than 72.5 million beneficiaries, the smallest since 2021 after 3.2 percent in 2024 and 8.7 percent in 2023, and raised the taxable maximum to $176,100. Commissioner Martin O'Malley said the increase would help people keep up even as inflation cooled. It was the last COLA announced by the Biden administration.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 10, 2024 ·
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month starting in January.
- Social Security Administration · Oct 10, 2024 ·
Questions this timeline answers
Each one is an ordered set of dated entries, most of them from this page, with a line on why each step led to the next.
Cause and effect
- SSA sets a staffing target of 50,000 employeeswas answered by →SSA preserves telephone claims for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicantsSSA's March 26 announcement revised its identity-proofing policy after its February 28 workforce-target announcement.
- The Senior Citizens League forecasts a 3.5% 2027 COLAis contradicted by →AARP forecasts a 3.6% 2027 Social Security COLAThe Senior Citizens League forecast a 3.5% 2027 COLA, while CBS News reported AARP's 3.6% projection.
- COLAs move to December: the third-quarter CPI-W becomes the yardstick, announced each October on How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formulaled to →Government shutdown pushes the 2026 COLA announcement from October 15 to October 24The third-quarter CPI-W formula means the September CPI-W release is needed to settle the COLA, so the shutdown's prevention of that release pushed the 2026 announcement back.
- COLAs move to December: the third-quarter CPI-W becomes the yardstick, announced each October on How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formulaled to →Two data points to go: August CPI-W due September 11, the official 2027 COLA on October 14Because the COLA is determined by the third-quarter CPI-W average, the September index described in the later entry completes the calculation for the October 14, 2026 announcement.
- COLAs move to December: the third-quarter CPI-W becomes the yardstick, announced each October on How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formulaled to →The 2027 COLA is 3.6 percent, worth $75 a month to the average retireeThe formula says the September CPI-W release settles the COLA, and the 2027 COLA announcement states that its 3.6 percent figure followed the September CPI-W release that morning.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act rewrites federal student lending: RAP, loan caps, Grad PLUS ends on Student Loans After SAVE: From the Court Block to the Repayment Assistance Planled to →CRFB: six years to insolvency, a 22% automatic cut, and the tax law caused a quarter of the deteriorationThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in entry 510 later contributed a quarter of the deterioration in Social Security's outlook through its cut in benefit-tax revenue, according to entry 381.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates Trump Accounts: $1,000 for babies born 2025 through 2028 on Trump Accounts: From the 2025 Tax Law to the July 2026 Launch and the Employer Matchesled to →2026 trustees report: retirement fund depleted in late 2032, combined funds still 2034; 75-year gap widens 16%The One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted in entry 725 is identified in the 2026 trustees report as one of the factors driving the widening of Social Security's 75-year actuarial deficit.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates Trump Accounts: $1,000 for babies born 2025 through 2028 on Trump Accounts: From the 2025 Tax Law to the July 2026 Launch and the Employer Matchesled to →CRFB: six years to insolvency, a 22% automatic cut, and the tax law caused a quarter of the deteriorationThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act that created Trump Accounts is identified by CRFB as responsible for a quarter of the deterioration in Social Security's outlook through its cut in benefit-tax revenue.
Where sources disagree or fall silent
- What standard Medicare Part B premium will CMS set for 2027, versus the trustees’ $209.50 monthly projection, and how much of the 3.6% COLA will it offset?
- Who will qualify for the announced one-time Medicare Part B payment, when will it be paid, and how will it affect recipients’ net benefit gains?
- Whether Congress will enact a financing package before the projected late-2032 depletion of the retirement trust fund, and which mix of revenue increases or benefit changes it would use.
- Whether proposals such as the We Can't Wait Act or the Social Security 2100 Act will advance, and what their final effects on benefits and solvency would be.
- Whether SSA can sustain its reported service improvements while operating toward its lower staffing target; the inspector general validated the published national 800-number metrics, but the longer-term staffing and service effects remain unsettled.
- How changes to benefit taxation, including proposals to repeal it, will be resolved; CBO projected repeal would advance retirement-fund exhaustion from 2032 to 2031.
What to watch next
- Nov 10, 2026 — BLS releases October 2026 CPI The first CPI release after the 2027 COLA announcement will begin informing early estimates for the following annual adjustment.
- Dec 10, 2026 — BLS releases November 2026 CPI This adds another inflation reading for early forecasts of the next Social Security COLA cycle.
- Dec 31, 2026 — 2027 COLA begins for SSI recipients About 7.3 million SSI recipients are scheduled to receive the 3.6% adjustment beginning on this date.
- Jan 2027 — 2027 Social Security COLA takes effect for monthly benefits Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries are scheduled to begin receiving payments reflecting the 3.6% adjustment.
- Feb 2027 — BLS expects to publish the 2027 CPI weight update The revised CPI weights will underlie later CPI-W indexes used in future COLA calculations.
- Apr 1, 2027 — Statutory deadline for the annual Social Security trustees report The report is due to update projected trust-fund depletion dates and the long-term financing shortfall.
Who is involved
- Social Security Administrationregulator
Administers benefits, announces annual COLAs, and has pursued staffing, service, payment, and disability-processing changes.
- Frank Bisignanoperson
Social Security commissioner since May 2025, overseeing the agency’s COLA announcements, service initiatives, and response to the solvency outlook.
- Bureau of Labor Statisticsregulator
Publishes CPI-W data used in the statutory calculation of Social Security COLAs.
- Social Securityother
The retirement, survivor, and disability benefit program whose annual adjustments and trust-fund outlook are at issue.
- Committee for a Responsible Federal Budgetother
Analyzed the trustees report, estimating a 22% automatic benefit cut at retirement-fund depletion and proposing solvency options.
- Senior Citizens Leagueother
Advocacy group publishing frequently updated forecasts of the 2027 COLA from CPI data.
- Supplemental Security Incomeproduct
Program covered by SSA's telephone-claim, address-change, and annual-report announcements.
- AARPother
Provided an independent 2027 COLA forecast of 3.6% before the official announcement.
38 more
- Congressional Budget Officeregulator
Projects OASI fund exhaustion in fiscal year 2032 and estimated that repealing benefit taxation would accelerate insolvency.
- Disability Case Reviewother
Federal SSA processing site designated for medical continuing disability reviews.
- Disability Insuranceother
Social Security program addressed by the We Can't Wait Act analysis.
- Donald Trumpperson
Announced a one-time Medicare Part B payment for roughly one-third of Part B enrollees, with eligibility and payment details material to beneficiaries’ net gains.
- Frank J. Bisignanoperson
SSA Commissioner and witness at the House hearing.
- Lee Dudekperson
SSA official named in the identity-proofing announcement.
- Medicareproduct
Federal health-insurance program included in SSA telephone-claim policy and Part B premium estimate.
- Medicare Part Bproduct
Its 2026 premium increase absorbed part of the 2.8% COLA, and its projected 2027 premium would similarly reduce the net 2027 raise.
- my Social Securityproduct
SSA online account service referenced in claimant and direct-deposit access policies.
- Social Security Board of Trusteesregulator
Publishes the annual projections showing retirement-fund depletion in late 2032 and combined-fund depletion in 2034.
- SSA Office of the Inspector Generalregulator
Validated SSA’s published 800-number metrics while separately identifying an estimated $1 billion in improper SSI payments tied to unresolved earnings alerts.
- Arjun Modyperson
Sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security and chief operating officer.
Sets Medicare Part B premiums, which are generally deducted from Social Security payments.
- Compassionate Allowancesproduct
SSA accelerated disability-processing list to which 14 conditions were added.
- Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W)product
Inflation index reported by BLS.
- Disability Determination Servicesother
State offices that would focus on initial disability claims and reconsiderations.
- H.R. 9519product
Bill titled the Social Security 2100 Act.
- House Ways and Means Committeeregulator
Held the joint Social Security hearing with Commissioner Bisignano.
- Jason DeBackerperson
Named in CRFB's Six Figure Limit proposal.
- Jay Ortisperson
Named in SSA's announcement of disability-claim digital tools.
- John B. Larsonperson
Representative who introduced H.R. 9519.
- Maggie Hassanperson
Senator who, with Susan Collins, introduced the We Can't Wait Act of 2026.
- Marc Goldweinperson
CRFB's Marc Goldwein testified to the Senate Finance Committee on August 5.
- Martin O'Malleyperson
As commissioner, he said the 2025 COLA increase would help people keep up as inflation cooled.
- Mary Johnsonperson
Independent analyst whose COLA forecasts have been cited alongside TSCL and AARP estimates.
- Medicare Trusteesother
Trustees who issued the 2027 Part B premium estimate.
- Military Officers Association of Americaother
Published a COLA-baseline comparison for the August CPI-W reading.
- Nancy Pelosiperson
Requested the SSI proposal evaluated in the actuarial estimate.
- OASDI Trust Fundsother
Trust funds whose financial status was assessed in the actuarial estimate.
- Office of Personnel Managementregulator
Federal personnel agency named in SSA's workforce announcement.
- Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fundother
The retirement trust fund is projected by the 2026 trustees report to be depleted in the fourth quarter of 2032.
- Open Research Groupother
Named in CRFB's Six Figure Limit proposal.
- Social Security 2100 Actproduct
Solvency and benefit legislation introduced by Representative John Larson in June 2026.
- Susan Collinsperson
Senator who, with Maggie Hassan, introduced the We Can't Wait Act of 2026.
- U.S. Congressregulator
Must decide whether to address the trust-fund shortfall and is considering proposals including the We Can't Wait Act and the Social Security 2100 Act.
- U.S. Department of the Treasuryregulator
Received waiver filings from people seeking an exemption from the end of paper benefit checks.
- U.S. House of Representativesregulator
Chamber in which H.R. 9519 was introduced and referred.
- United States Senateother
Body that confirmed Arjun Mody before his swearing-in.
Changelog
- Linked 1 entry with How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formula. Added 2 entries: 2026-10-14 BLS reports September CPI-W index of 330.654; 2026-10-14 SSA says 2027 COLA notices will use a one-page format. Added 1 hand-verified entry by the editor.
- Added 3 entries: 2026-06-09 2026 Medicare trustees report projects a $209.50 Part B premium for 2027; 2026-10-02 Trump announces a one-time Medicare Part B payment; 2026-10-12 Frank Bisignano says Social Security will last another 90 years.
- Added 7 entries: 2025-11-21 SSA reports expanded online access and faster 800-number service; 2025-12-22 SSA says inspector general confirmed 800-number metrics; 2026-01-05 Arjun Mody is sworn in as Deputy Commissioner; 2026-03-12 SSA moves medical disability reviews to Disability Case Review and 3 more.
- Linked 1 entry with Student Loans After SAVE: From the Court Block to the Repayment Assistance Plan. Added 2 entries: 2026-09-17 CBO projects OASI Trust Fund exhaustion in fiscal year 2032; 2026-09-23 SSA OIG estimates $1 billion in improper SSI payments.
- Linked 1 entry with Trump Accounts: From the 2025 Tax Law to the July 2026 Launch and the Employer Matches.
- Added 1 entry: 2026-09-15 SSA actuary says Pelosi SSI proposal would not directly affect OASDI funds.
- Linked 2 entries with How the Social Security COLA Is Set: From the 1973 Law to the Third-Quarter CPI-W Formula.
- Added 3 entries: 2026-09-11 BLS reports an August CPI-W index of 328.481; 2026-09-11 The Senior Citizens League forecasts a 3.5% 2027 COLA; 2026-09-11 AARP forecasts a 3.6% 2027 Social Security COLA.
- Linked 1 entry with Trump Accounts: From the 2025 Tax Law to the July 2026 Launch and the Employer Matches.
- Added 8 entries: 2025-02-28 SSA sets a staffing target of 50,000 employees; 2025-03-26 SSA preserves telephone claims for SSDI, Medicare, and SSI applicants; 2026-02-25 Collins and Hassan introduce the We Can't Wait Act of 2026; 2026-03-24 CRFB proposes a cap on high Social Security benefits and 4 more. Added 16 hand-verified entries by the editor.
A research pass records each dated fact with the page it came from and a verbatim quote. A second, independent pass re-opens every cited page and rejects entries it cannot confirm. The editor reviews what remains before it is published, and every change is listed above. Full method.