Social Security benefits are a lifeline for many retirees, with 62% of current retirees saying they're a major source of income, according to a 2025 poll from Gallup.

Having an above-average benefit results in an above-average Social Security COLA because COLAs are calculated on a percentage ...

Social Security benefits are eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, each year. The purpose of COLAs is to help ...

See how Social Security calculates the maximum $4,207 monthly benefit at age 67 in 2026, who can qualify for it, and how your ...

Social Security benefits can provide you with a stream of retirement income that is reliable. Deciding when to take benefits is an important question, especially if you’re married and hope to qualify ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Steve Vernon, FSA, helps retirees make their money last for life. What’s the most you can receive from Social Security? The answer ...

Social Security uses your top 35 income years, adjusted for inflation, to calculate benefits. Claiming benefits before full retirement age leads to permanently reduced monthly payments. Delaying ...