Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA):: Social Security checks are expected to increase by 2.8% in 2026, potentially adding about $52 per month for the average beneficiary. However, upcoming hikes in Medicare premiums may offset this increase.
Why this matters:: While any increase is welcome, recipients should be aware that rising healthcare costs could diminish the benefit of this adjustment.
Full Retirement Age Increase:: The full retirement age will rise to 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
Why this matters:: Individuals planning to retire in 2026 or later need to adjust their retirement plans, as claiming full benefits will require waiting longer.
End of Paper Checks:: The Social Security Administration will discontinue issuing paper checks, mandating electronic payments (direct deposit or Direct Express Debit Mastercard) for all recipients starting in October 2025.
Why this matters:: Recipients still relying on paper checks must set up electronic payment methods to continue receiving their benefits without interruption.
Increased Social Security Work Credit Requirements:: The value of a work credit increases each year, affecting part-time workers and caregivers.
Why this matters:: Individuals need to ensure they meet the increasing earnings requirements to qualify for Social Security payments upon retirement.
Potential Increase in Social Security Taxes:: The wage cap, which determines the maximum earnings subject to Social Security taxes, may increase, potentially leading to higher taxes for those exceeding the cap.
Why this matters:: Higher-income earners could see a larger portion of their income subject to Social Security taxes.
In 2026, Social Security recipients in Tennessee will face significant changes impacting their benefits and how they receive them. These changes include adjustments to cost-of-living, retirement age, payment methods, and tax contributions.
Experts estimate a 2.8% COLA for Social Security benefits in 2026. This adjustment aims to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation, but rising Medicare premiums may reduce its impact. The official adjustment will be announced in mid-October.
The full retirement age is increasing to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. This means individuals will need to wait longer to receive their full Social Security benefits. For context, here are the full retirement ages for those born between 1943 and 1959:
1943 to 1954: 66 years
1955: 66 years and two months
1956: 66 years and four months
1957: 66 years and six months
1958: 66 years and eight months
1959: 66 years and 10 months
Starting in October 2025, the Social Security Administration will no longer issue paper checks. All recipients must switch to electronic payments, such as direct deposit or a Direct Express Debit Mastercard. Information on setting up electronic payments can be found here (opens in a new tab).
To qualify for Social Security payments, individuals must earn 40 work credits over their lifetime. In 2025, one credit is worth $1,810, requiring $7,240 in earnings to earn four credits. This amount is expected to increase in 2026.
Most of the funding for Social Security comes from payroll taxes. In 2025, the wage cap rose to $176,100. This means individuals earning $176,100 or more paid a maximum of $10,918 in Social Security taxes. The SSA has not yet announced the wage cap increase for 2026.
Set up electronic payments: If you still receive paper checks, establish direct deposit or obtain a Direct Express Debit Mastercard.
Adjust retirement plans: If you were born in 1960 or later, factor in the increased full retirement age when planning your retirement.
Monitor Medicare premiums: Stay informed about potential increases in Medicare premiums to understand their impact on your Social Security benefits.
Retirees born in 1960 or later
Individuals currently receiving paper checks
Part-time workers and caregivers
High-income earners
Q: Will Social Security checks increase in 2026?
Yes, a cost-of-living adjustment is expected, estimated at 2.8%, or about $52 more per month for the average beneficiary.
Q: What if I still receive paper checks?
You must switch to electronic payments (direct deposit or Direct Express Debit Mastercard) before October 2025.
Q: How does the increased retirement age affect me?
If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is now 67. You will need to wait until then to receive full benefits.
Social Security recipients in Tennessee will experience changes in 2026, including a cost-of-living adjustment and the end of paper checks.
The full retirement age is increasing to 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
It's important to set up electronic payments and stay informed about potential increases in Medicare premiums.
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