--- title: "Social Security: Note the Key Changes for 2020" description: Every year, the Social Security Administration takes a fresh look at its numbers and typically makes adjustments. We outline what has changed in 2020. image: https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Social-Security-Note-the-Key-Changes-for-2020.png --- Industry News, Payroll, Administrative # Social Security: Note the Key Changes for 2020 December 04, 2019 Every year, the Social Security Administration takes a fresh look at its numbers and typically makes adjustments. Here are the basics for 2020 — what has changed, and what hasn't. ## First, the basic percentages have not changed: Employees and employers continue to pay 7.65% each, with the self-employed paying both halves. The Medicare portion remains 1.45% on all earnings, with high earners continuing to pay an additional 0.9% in Medicare taxes. The Social Security portion (OASDI) remains 6.20% on earnings up to the applicable taxable maximum amount — and that's what's changing: Starting in 2020, the maximum taxable amount is $137,700, up from the 2019 maximum of $132,900. This actually affects relatively few workers; the Society for Human Resource Management notes in an article that only about 6% of employees earn more than the current taxable maximum. Also changing is the retirement earnings test exempt amount. Those who have not yet reached normal retirement age but are collecting benefits will find the SSA withholding $1 in benefits for every $2 in earnings above a certain limit. That limit is $17,640 per year for 2019 and will be $18,240 for 2020. (See the SSA for additional information on how this works.)   ## Cost-of-living adjustments Those collecting Social Security will see a slight increase in their checks: Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will receive a 1.6% COLA for 2020. This is based on the increase in the consumer price index from the third quarter of 2018 through the third quarter of 2019, according to the SSA. A [detailed fact sheet about the changes](https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2020.pdf) is available on the SSA site. - Share This - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/social-security-note-the-key-changes-for-2020) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&url=https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/social-security-note-the-key-changes-for-2020) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/social-security-note-the-key-changes-for-2020&title=&summary=) Related ### News, Insights and Updates [Read the Blog](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/) [ Data-Driven Payroll and HR: Driving Business Success in 2025 December 17, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/data-driven-payroll-and-hr) [ Payroll in 2025: Navigating New Regulations and Workforce Expectations December 10, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/payroll-in-2025) [ Holiday Payroll Schedules: How to Avoid Delays and Ensure Timely Payments November 19, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/holiday-payroll-schedules) [ Preparing for Year-End Payroll: Essential Tips for a Smooth Process November 07, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/preparing-for-year-end-payroll) [ Maximizing ROI: The Financial Advantages of Integrating Employee Benefits with Payroll September 26, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/maximizing-roi-the-financial-advantages-of-integrating-employee-benefits-with-payroll) [ Creating an Effective Payroll Training Program August 05, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/effective-payroll-training-program) [ Importance of Payroll Training for HR Teams July 23, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/payroll-training-for-hr-teams) [ Master Summer Hiring with Smart Payroll Tactics June 25, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/master-summer-hiring) [ Avoid Payroll Pitfalls: Managing Time and Attendance in a Summer Workforce June 11, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/avoid-payroll-pitfalls-managing-time-and-attendance-in-a-summer-workforce) [ Maximizing Workforce Commitment: The Role of Payroll and HR Software in Hospitality April 23, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/maximizing-workforce-commitment-the-role-of-payroll-and-hr-software-in-hospitality) [ Navigating Seasonal Peaks: The Power of Payroll and HR Systems in Sustaining Commitment April 11, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/navigating-seasonal-peaks-the-power-of-payroll-and-hr-systems-in-sustaining-commitment) [ Unlocking Potential: Transforming Seasonal Workforces with Payroll and HR Software April 02, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/unlocking-potential-transforming-seasonal-workforces-with-payroll-and-hr-software) [ 4 Major Payroll Tax Changes to Expect in 2024 + Checklist March 19, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/4-major-payroll-tax-changes-to-expect-in-2024-checklist) [ Tax Tip: Managing Payroll Taxes for Employee Compensation March 18, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/tax-tip-managing-payroll-taxes-for-employee-compensation) [ Understanding the Impact of Donor Restrictions on Non-Profit Payroll Management February 07, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/understanding-the-impact-of-donor-restrictions-on-non-profit-payroll-management) [ Leveraging Technology for Non-Profit Payroll: A Guide to Cost-Effective Solutions January 31, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/leveraging-technology-for-non-profit-payroll-a-guide-to-cost-effective-solutions) [ Navigating the Updated Overtime Rules: A Compliance Guide for Employers January 24, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/navigating-the-updated-overtime-rules-a-compliance-guide-for-employers) [ Streamlining Certified Payroll for Compliance and Efficiency January 09, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/streamlining-certified-payroll-for-compliance-and-efficiency) [ Payroll and Compliance for Non-Profits, What to Know January 02, 2024 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/payroll-and-compliance-for-non-profits-what-to-know) [ Upcoming Payroll and Compliance Changes for 2024 December 27, 2023 ](https://blog.paydaypayroll.com/upcoming-payroll-and-compliance-changes-for-2024) Get Started ## Let's make today the day. 1. 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