Three-quarters of American workers fear Social Security won't be there for them when they retire, a new survey finds.

This has been a unique year, with Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reveal delayed by nine days due to the federal government shutdown. Social Security benefits will climb by 2.8% in 2026, which marks the fifth consecutive year that recipients have received at least a 2.5% year-over-year increase.

The S&P 500 rose 0.8% and topped its prior all-time high, which was set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 472 points, or 1%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.1%. Both also set records.

Financial pros recommend waiting as long as possible to claim your Social Security benefits. Most Americans say they're ignoring that advice.

The Social Security Administration ended the delivery of paper Social Security checks on Sept. 30, 2025. Going forward, all Social Security payments will come via direct deposit or on a prepaid debit card.

"I was required to pay into these programs with the understanding that they’d be there if I needed them. They’re stealing our money."