How Much a Middle-Class Couple Could Lose in Annual Benefits From Automatic Social Security Cuts

Chris Adam

Sun, February 22, 2026 at 9:36 PM GMT+9 2 min read

You’ve probably heard that 2032 may be a critical year for Social Security. According to a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the critical trust fund that helps finance Social Security benefits is on track to reach insolvency in 2032. If so, benefit cuts could go into effect if Congress doesn’t act.

The impacts of Social Security cuts could be greater than many Americans expect. Here’s what average couples could lose in annual benefits.

Also see eight states where Social Security goes the furthest in 2026.

‘Sobering’ Numbers

As reported by Fortune, some estimates state that a typical couple retiring at age 60 when Social Security is depleted could see a reduction of $18,400 per year.

Andrew Lokenauth, founder of Fluent in Finance, had a similar estimate. “Most people assume Social Security will just ‘be there’ when they retire,” he said. “The numbers are sobering. A typical middle-class couple currently collecting Social Security could lose somewhere around $16,000 to $18,000 per year if automatic cuts kick in. That’s a car payment, a mortgage supplement or a full year of groceries gone overnight.”

Read More: What Will the Average Social Security Check Be for Retirees in 2026?

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‘Breathing Room’ Money

When he talks with retirees, Taylor Kovar, CFP, CEO of 11 Financial, said that amount usually represents breathing room. “It covers rising insurance premiums, travel, gifts for grandkids or just the ability to not worry every time the market dips,” Kovar said.

If Social Security benefits were to see a reduction, retirees would have to plan for how to fill those gaps. “Most people aren’t assuming Social Security goes away, but they’re more open to planning with a little margin built in,” Kovar said.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much a Middle-Class Couple Could Lose in Annual Benefits From Automatic Social Security Cuts

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