What type of adjustments might affect Social Security benefits over time?

The correct choice highlights two key adjustments that can significantly impact Social Security benefits over time: cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and changes in earnings.

Cost-of-living adjustments are periodically applied to Social Security benefits to ensure that the purchasing power of benefits keeps pace with inflation. This means that as the cost of living rises, Social Security benefits are adjusted upward accordingly, helping beneficiaries maintain their standard of living.

Changes in earnings also play a critical role in determining Social Security benefits. The benefits are based on an individual's highest 35 years of earnings, and if a person earns more in subsequent years than they did in the past, their benefit amount may increase as a result. This reflects the Social Security system's design, which aims to provide adequate support based on an individual's economic contributions over their working life.

This understanding is important for beneficiaries to maximize the support they receive from Social Security, as both COLAs and changing earnings can enhance their benefits as they age.