WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the year draws to a close, experts say Social Security recipients may benefit from reviewing several key items before Dec. 31 to help avoid payment issues, tax surprises or reporting problems in 2026.

While the Social Security Administration does not publish a formal “year-end checklist,” experts point to official SSA rules that make late December an important time to verify information.

Reviewing your earnings record is a first step, because Social Security benefits are calculated using a worker’s highest 35 years of income. Incorrect or missing wages can reduce future benefits, and SSA encourages workers to check their records regularly through their online mySocialSecurity account .

Social Security officials also suggest checking tax withholding before Jan

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