Key Points Today's new workers will have to earn more than ever to qualify for retirement benefits. The wealthiest Americans will pay Social Security taxes on an extra $8,400 in income in 2026. Some working beneficiaries may see their checks increase thanks to a rule change that lets them earn more without losing any benefits. The$23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › When you're in the thick of your career, it's easy to think that annual Social Security changes aren' ...