economy

Rich Couples Are Collecting Over $100,000 in Social Security. A New Proposal Would Cap That.

Updated on: March 26, 2026 / 8:50 AM EDT / CBS News

Rich Couples Are Collecting Over $100,000 in Social Security. A New Proposal Would Cap That.

TL;DR

  • A proposal suggests capping Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples to combat program insolvency.
  • The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates the cap could save $190 billion over a decade.
  • About 1 million individual beneficiaries receive at least $50,000 annually, or over $100,000 for couples.
  • The CRFB projects the share of high earners receiving large benefits will grow over time.
  • AARP opposes the proposal, fearing it could lead to broader benefit cuts and doesn't address the real problem.
  • Nearly all voters want candidates to explain their plans for Social Security's solvency, according to a poll.