What are the Social Security bend points for 2026?

For people who turn 62 in 2026, the bend points are $1,286 and $7,749. They divide your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) into three brackets credited at 90%, 32%, and 15%.

What is the PIA formula?

Your primary insurance amount (PIA), your benefit at full retirement age, equals 90% of AIME up to the first bend point, plus 32% of AIME between the two bend points, plus 15% of any AIME above the second. For 2026: 90% of the first $1,286, 32% from $1,286 to $7,749, and 15% above $7,749.

Why are benefits 'progressive'?

Because the first dollars of earnings are credited at 90% and higher earnings at only 32% then 15%, lower earners get back a larger share of their average earnings than higher earners. That's by design.

Which year's bend points apply to me?

The bend points in effect the year you turn 62 are locked in for your PIA calculation, even if you claim later. Annual COLAs are then applied on top.

Social Security Bend Points & the PIA Formula

Updated for 2026 · Source: Social Security Administration

2026 first bend point: $1,286
2026 second bend point: $7,749
PIA percentages: 90 / 32 / 15
applies at age 62 in: 2026

Bend points are the dollar thresholds in the formula that turns your lifetime earnings into a Social Security benefit. For 2026 they are $1,286 and $7,749. Your benefit at full retirement age (the primary insurance amount, or PIA) is 90% of your average indexed monthly earnings up to the first bend point, 32% of earnings between the two, and 15% above the second, which is why Social Security replaces more of a low earner's wages than a high earner's.

Worked example (2026 bend points)

PIA for a few levels of average indexed monthly earnings (AIME):

Average indexed monthly earnings	Benefit at full retirement age (PIA)
$3,000 / month	$1,706 / month
$6,000 / month	$2,666 / month
$10,000 / month	$3,563 / month

Illustrative, before any cost-of-living adjustments and before reductions or credits for claiming age.

First bend point by year

$500

$1,000

$1,500

$2,000

1979

1983

1987

1991

1995

1999

2003

2007

2011

2015

2019

2023

Bend point history

Year (age 62)	First bend point	Second bend point
2026	$1,286	$7,749
2025	$1,226	$7,391
2024	$1,174	$7,078
2023	$1,115	$6,721
2022	$1,024	$6,172
2021	$996	$6,002
2020	$960	$5,785
2019	$926	$5,583
2018	$895	$5,397
2017	$885	$5,336
2016	$856	$5,157
2015	$826	$4,980
2014	$816	$4,917
2013	$791	$4,768
2012	$767	$4,624
2011	$749	$4,517
2010	$761	$4,586
2009	$744	$4,483
2008	$711	$4,288
2007	$680	$4,100
2006	$656	$3,955
2005	$627	$3,779
2004	$612	$3,689
2003	$606	$3,653
2002	$592	$3,567
2001	$561	$3,381
2000	$531	$3,202
1999	$505	$3,043
1998	$477	$2,875
1997	$455	$2,741
1996	$437	$2,635
1995	$426	$2,567
1994	$422	$2,545
1993	$401	$2,420
1992	$387	$2,333
1991	$370	$2,230
1990	$356	$2,145
1989	$339	$2,044
1988	$319	$1,922
1987	$310	$1,866
1986	$297	$1,790
1985	$280	$1,691
1984	$267	$1,612
1983	$254	$1,528
1982	$230	$1,388
1981	$211	$1,274
1980	$194	$1,171
1979	$180	$1,085

Frequently asked questions

What are the Social Security bend points for 2026?: For people who turn 62 in 2026, the bend points are $1,286 and $7,749. They divide your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) into three brackets credited at 90%, 32%, and 15%.
What is the PIA formula?: Your primary insurance amount (PIA), your benefit at full retirement age, equals 90% of AIME up to the first bend point, plus 32% of AIME between the two bend points, plus 15% of any AIME above the second. For 2026: 90% of the first $1,286, 32% from $1,286 to $7,749, and 15% above $7,749.
Why are benefits 'progressive'?: Because the first dollars of earnings are credited at 90% and higher earnings at only 32% then 15%, lower earners get back a larger share of their average earnings than higher earners. That's by design.
Which year's bend points apply to me?: The bend points in effect the year you turn 62 are locked in for your PIA calculation, even if you claim later. Annual COLAs are then applied on top.