{
  "id": 16344627,
  "title": "Social Security's 2027 COLA Was Just Announced, but There Are 2 Other Key Changes to Be Aware of -- Even if You're Not Currently Receiving Benefits",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/social-securitys-2027-cola-was-just-announced-but-there-are-2-other",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-24T15:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motley Fool",
    "slug": "motley-fool",
    "url": "https://www.fool.com/retirement/2026/10/24/social-securitys-2027-cola-was-just-announced-but/?source=iedfolrf0000001"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Social Security Administration (SSA) has unveiled the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and two other significant changes to the program. While the COLA is the most talked-about, recipients and potential claimants should also consider these other adjustments, as they may impact their retirement income.\n\nFirstly, the wage base limit, which determines the maximum amount of income subject to Social Security payroll taxes, is set to rise from $184,500 to $192,300 in 2027. Any earnings above this new limit will not be taxed. This change is noteworthy for high earners, as it could potentially increase their overall tax burden. For instance, someone earning $200,000 would have $7,700 exempt from Social Security tax, compared to $3,300 under the previous limit.\n\nSecondly, the earnings limit, which affects those who continue working while claiming Social Security benefits early, has been increased. For those who will not reach their full retirement age (FRA) in 2027, the limit is $25,560, up from $24,480. Earnings above this threshold will result in a $1 reduction in annual benefits for every $2 earned over the limit. However, if an individual reaches their FRA in 2027, the limit rises to $67,920, which is a considerable increase from the previous $65,160. Earnings surpassing this threshold would lead to a $1 reduction in annual benefits for every $3 earned over the limit.\n\nLastly, the earnings limit for the months leading up to an individual's FRA differs from the annual limit. If someone reaches their FRA in 2027, the monthly limit is $2,130, while for those who will turn 62 this year, it stands at $5,660. This distinction ensures that anyone nearing their FRA is not unduly penalized for temporary income that may push them over the annual threshold. The SSA will offset these temporary reductions until the individual reaches their FRA, gradually reinstating the withheld benefits over time.",
  "summary": "The program will have a handful of different thresholds next year.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Nasdaq Markets",
        "title": "Social Security's 2027 COLA Was Just Announced, but There Are 2 Other Key Changes to Be Aware of -- Even if You're Not Currently Receiving Benefits",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/social-securitys-2027-cola-was-just-announced-but-there-are-2-other-16345308",
        "published": "2026-10-24T15:43:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}