The COVID-19 pandemic could lead to lower Social Security benefits for some near-retirees. When average wages drop in the year a worker turns 60, their benefits could decrease permanently. This means that middle-income workers aged 60 in 2020 might see a 9% reduction in their annual benefits, losing up to $46,000 by retirement. The same applies to those eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Ways to prevent these benefit reductions in the future are being discussed.