Why did my Social Security check go down in January?
Because Medicare took more from the deposit — the 2026 Part B premium is $202.90, and if 2024 MAGI cleared $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint), the first-tier extra is $1,148.40 per person or $2,296.80 as a couple for the year.
Medicare is withheld from the deposit
If you have Part B and collect Social Security, SSA withholds the premium from the monthly deposit. That is why the check can shrink when the premium rises, even when the benefit itself did not fall. Medicare & You and SSA both describe this withholding. See Medicare & You and SSA’s Medicare premiums for higher-income beneficiaries.
The 2026 CMS table (last updated November 14, 2025)
CMS published the 2026 Part B premium and the income-related extra amounts on November 14, 2025. Standard Part B is $202.90. The first extra tier starts when 2024 MAGI clears $109,000 (single) or $218,000 (joint). Official table: 2026 Medicare Parts B premiums and deductibles.
Why they use a tax return from two years ago
SSA uses the latest return the IRS has already processed. 2026 premiums come from 2024. Income you take this year prices 2028.
One dollar is the full first tier
It is a cliff. One dollar over the line is the full first-tier extra for twelve months, not a one-dollar surcharge. First-tier extra is $1,148.40 per person, $2,296.80 as a couple.
Hold harmless does not cover IRMAA
The Social Security “hold harmless” rule can keep a standard Part B premium increase from reducing most people’s net check. It does not cover the income-related extra (IRMAA). AARP states that if you pay a higher premium, you are not covered by hold harmless — that protection applies only to people who pay the standard Part B premium and have it deducted from Social Security. AARP: How does income affect monthly Medicare premiums?
Form SSA-44
SSA-44 is a request that SSA use a more recent year after a listed life-changing event. Official door: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa.
See whether this household crossed the line. Two fields. No account. Then a card you can text to your spouse.
See the cardOther reasons a January check can shrink
Medicare is the usual January surprise. These official doors cover other causes:
- Federal tax withholding. You can ask SSA to withhold income tax from the benefit, which also reduces the deposit. Request tax withholding.
- Overpayment recovery. SSA may withhold to recover a prior overpayment. Overpayments.
- The retirement earnings test. If you are under full retirement age and work, SSA can withhold benefits when earnings clear the annual test. Working while receiving benefits.
IRMAA questions we can answer
What is the extra Medicare premium?
IRMAA — an income-related extra on Part B and Part D. CMS published the 2026 amounts on November 14, 2025: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles
Does MAGI include municipal-bond interest?
Yes. For IRMAA, MAGI is AGI plus tax-exempt interest. SSA: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/medicare-premiums.html
If I just retired, can SSA-44 use a later year?
Work stoppage is a listed life-changing event. Official door: https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa
Does qualifying surviving spouse use the single IRMAA table?
Yes. QSS, single, and head of household use the individual line (first extra above $109,000). Married filing jointly uses $218,000 (CMS, Nov 14, 2025).
If I die, what line does the surviving spouse face?
The same income can face the single line ($109,000, not $218,000). This card flags that. It is not a full survivor tax plan.
What does $1 over the line cost for twelve months?
The full first-tier extra: $1,148.40 per person, $2,296.80 if both are on Medicare (CMS, Nov 14, 2025). Not a $1 surcharge.
Educational. Not tax, legal, or investment advice. Confirm the notice SSA actually mailed.