What does Preamble of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'To improve the retirement security of United States families by strengthening Social Security.' The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 11, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026.

What does DETERMINATION OF TAXABLE WAGES AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME ABOVE of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This section amends sections 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and 209 of the Social Security Act. It also amends sections 1402 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and 211 of the Social Security Act. These amendments establish an 'applicable percentage' for determining taxable wages and self-employment income above the contribution and benefit base, effective after 2027. For 2028, the applicable percentage is 80 percent. For 2029 through 2031, the percentage decreases annually by 20 percentage points. For 2032 and subsequent years, the applicable percentage is 0 percent. The changes apply to remuneration paid in calendar years after 2027, and to taxable years beginning during or after calendar year 2028.

What does ADJUSTMENTS TO BEND POINTS IN DETERMINING PRIMARY INSURANCE of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Social Security Act to adjust bend points used in determining primary insurance amounts. The first bend point factor is increased from 90 percent to 95 percent, with gradual increases between 2032 and 2047. The first bend point is also adjusted, including an increase of 1 percent in 2033 and subsequent annual increases. These adjustments apply to individuals entitled to old-age or disability insurance benefits, or who die before becoming so entitled. The Social Security Commissioner is required to recompute primary insurance amounts for affected individuals between 2032 and 2047. The section modifies the calculation of average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) by inserting 'basic' before 'average indexed monthly earnings' in certain clauses. It introduces a new clause (iv) to include 5 percent of an individual's surplus average indexed monthly earnings in the determination of primary insurance amounts. The definition of 'basic AIME' and 'surplus AIME' is revised to incorporate these changes. The amendments made by subsections (b) and (c) apply to individuals who initially become eligible for benefits or die after 2032.

What does CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ELDERLY CONSUMERS. of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This section directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to create and publish a monthly 'Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers'. The index will reflect changes in spending patterns typical for individuals who have reached early retirement age, as defined by section 216(l)(2) of the Social Security Act. The requirements of this section will take effect for calendar months ending on or after June 30 of the year the Act is enacted. Appropriations are authorized to carry out the provisions of this section.

What does COMPUTATION OF COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 215(i) of the Social Security Act to modify the computation of cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits. The amendments specify that the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers should be used for adjustments to the primary insurance amount. Section 215(i)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act is also amended to include the same Consumer Price Index specification. The changes apply to determinations made by the Commissioner of Social Security for cost-of-living computation quarters ending on or after September 30, 2027.

What does IMPROVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS IN of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This section amends sections 202(e) and 202(f) of the Social Security Act, concerning widow's and widower's insurance benefits, respectively. The amendments modify the calculation of benefits for widows and widowers, potentially increasing the benefit amount based on the deceased individual's primary insurance amount. For surviving divorced spouses, the amount determined under certain clauses is adjusted based on an applicable percentage. A hypothetical individual is used to calculate benefit limits, based on their earnings and the national average wage index. The changes apply to widow's and widower's insurance benefits payable for months after December 2027.

What does HOLDING SSI BENEFICIARIES HARMLESS. of Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 do?

This section addresses how Social Security Act benefits are treated when determining eligibility and benefit amounts for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It stipulates that benefits under title II of the Social Security Act are not considered income exceeding the amount determined under that title as of the day before the enactment of this Act.

Back to bills

Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/11/2026 · Introduced: 6/11/2026

Author: Linda Sánchez (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill gradually increases the portion of high earnings subject to Social Security taxes, starting in 2028, ultimately applying the tax to all earnings above a certain threshold.
The bill adjusts the formula used to calculate primary Social Security insurance amounts, incorporating a new calculation of average indexed monthly earnings and increasing bend points to potentially increase benefits for some recipients.
The bill mandates the creation of a new Consumer Price Index specifically for elderly consumers, and directs Social Security to use this index when calculating annual cost-of-living adjustments for benefits.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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