Stay informed with AARP's latest updates on Social Security. Learn how to apply, maximize your benefits, and navigate disability qualifications.

Jan 13, 2026 · About half of Social Security recipients paid federal income taxes on their benefits in 2021, the most recent information available, according to an August 2024 Congressional Budget …

Jan 12, 2026 · The basics of social security retirement benefits, including how benefits work, how payments are calculated and awarded, and what you need to apply.

Jan 15, 2026 · You can work and collect social security benefits, but the amount you receive will depend on whether you’ve reached your full retirement age.

Oct 6, 2025 · Collecting Social Security Benefits at 62 vs. 67 vs. 70 How to receive your highest monthly benefit, and when it makes sense to start collecting early By 5

Jan 8, 2026 · More than 70 million Americans rely on a Social Security payment. We outlined answers to frequently asked questions about what it is and how it works.

Aug 18, 2025 · The COLA is applied to all Social Security payments — survivor benefits, family benefits and disability benefits, as well as retirement benefits — and to Supplemental Security Income …

Nov 19, 2025 · As the Social Security Administration stops sending paper account statements you should open a My Social Security online account to manage benefits.

Oct 30, 2025 · Social Security benefits can lag inflation during periods of price volatility, leaving some beneficiaries struggling to make ends meet. For example, beneficiaries temporarily lost buying power …

Nov 20, 2025 · Social Security relies on the surplus in its two trust funds, one for retirement and survivor benefits and the other for disability benefits, to meet its annual payment obligations.