April 2026 brings several important Social Security updates that may affect how retirees handle their money and healthcare. Here are the key updates:
The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period ends on March 31, allowing retirees to switch to a different provider or go back to original Medicare until the next enrollment period later in the year.
Social Security payment dates vary based on birth date: April 9 for those born between 1st and 10th, April 15 for those born between 11th and 20th, and April 23 for those born between 21st and 31st. Those who started collecting benefits before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI receive their payment on April 3.
Monthly payments should include the 2.8% cost-of-living increase (COLA) that started in January, but this increase is partly reduced due to the increased Medicare Part B premium of $202.90 per month.
The taxable earnings cap has increased to $184,500 in 2026, and the earnings limit for retirees who are still working and have not reached full retirement age has risen to $24,480. If they earn more than this, Social Security will hold back $1 for every $2 earned above the limit.
Monthly SSI payments have increased to $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples, while Medicare Part B premiums have gone up to $202.90 for most people.
