Last Updated: January, 2026
Social Security disability benefits are going up in 2026. The Social Security Administration approved a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for all beneficiaries.
This means more money each month for disabled workers and SSI recipients.
About 75 million Americans will see bigger checks starting in January 2026.
Quick facts about the 2026 SSDI COLA:
- Average SSDI payment rises from $1,586 to $1,630 per month
- SSI payments increase from $967 to $994 for individuals
- Work income limits go up to $1,690 per month
- SSI recipients get paid December 31, 2025
- SSDI recipients get paid in January 2026
- Changes help beneficiaries who want to work
What Is the 2026 COLA Increase?
COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. It helps benefits keep up with inflation.
The 2.8% increase is based on price changes from 2024 to 2025. The government uses the Consumer Price Index to calculate COLA.
This increase is higher than 2025’s 2.5% but lower than recent years. In 2023, COLA was 8.7%. In 2022, it was 5.9%.
New SSDI Payment Amounts for 2026
Average Disabled Worker Benefits
Most disabled workers will see a $44 monthly increase.
2026 SSDI payments:
- Single disabled worker: $1,630/month (up from $1,586)
- Disabled worker with family: $2,937/month (up from $2,857)
- Monthly increase: $44 for individuals, $80 for families
Your actual benefit depends on your work history. Some people get more. Others get less.
New SSI Payment Amounts for 2026
SSI payments also increase by 2.8%.
2026 SSI federal payments:
- Individual: $994/month (up from $967)
- Couple: $1,491/month (up from $1,450)
- Monthly increase: $27 for individuals, $41 for couples
Some states add extra money to SSI. Check with your state for total amounts.
When Will You Get the Increase?
Payment dates are different for SSI and SSDI.
SSI recipients:
- First increased payment: December 31, 2025
- This counts as January 2026 payment
SSDI recipients:
- First increased payment: January 2026
- Exact date depends on your birth date
SSI beneficiaries get their raise about one month earlier.
New Work Income Limits for 2026
The COLA also raises work income limits. This helps disabled people who want to work.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
SGA is the monthly income limit for disability benefits.
2026 SGA limits:
| Type | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-blind | $1,620 | $1,690 | +$70 |
| Blind | $2,700 | $2,830 | +$130 |
Earning more than SGA can stop your SSDI benefits.
Trial Work Period (TWP)
TWP lets you test working for nine months. You keep full benefits during this time.
2026 TWP limit: $1,210/month (up from $1,160)
You can earn up to $1,210 monthly without it counting against benefits during TWP.
Other Important 2026 Changes
Maximum Taxable Earnings
The Social Security tax cap increases to $184,500. This means higher earners pay more Social Security tax.
Earnings Test Limits
If you work while getting benefits before retirement age:
- Under retirement age all year: Can earn $24,480/year ($2,040/month)
- Year you reach retirement age: Can earn $65,160/year ($5,430/month)
Earning more reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 earned over the limit.
How to Verify Your New Benefit Amount
The Social Security Administration mailed notices in November 2025.
Three ways to check your 2026 amount:
- Check your mailed notice from Social Security
- Log into My Social Security at ssa.gov
- Call Social Security at 1-800-325-0778
Report any payment errors immediately.
What This Means for Your Budget
The 2.8% increase helps with inflation. But it may not cover all rising costs.
Things to consider:
- Housing costs may rise faster than 2.8%
- Healthcare expenses continue increasing
- Food and gas prices vary by location
- High-cost cities may see less real benefit
The increase is better than nothing. But budgeting remains important.
How COLA Affects Other Benefits
Your SSDI or SSI increase might change other benefits.
Programs that may be affected:
- Medicaid eligibility in some states
- SNAP (food stamps) amounts
- Housing assistance calculations
- State disability supplements
Check with your state benefit office. Ask how the COLA affects your other programs.
Reporting Requirements
You must report changes to Social Security.
SSDI recipients must report:
- Starting any job or self-employment
- Changes in work hours or pay
- Receiving workers’ compensation
- Medical improvement
SSI recipients must report:
- All income changes monthly
- Living arrangement changes
- Resource or asset changes
- Marriage or household changes
Late reporting can cause overpayments. You may have to pay money back.
Official Resources
Always use official government sources for SSDI and SSI information.
Trusted resources:
- Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/cola/
- COLA Fact Sheet: https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/cola/factsheets/2026.html
- Local Social Security office: https://www.ssa.gov/locator
Never share personal information with unofficial websites or callers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will my SSDI payment automatically increase in 2026?
Yes. Social Security applies the 2.8% COLA automatically. You don’t need to do anything. Your January 2026 payment will be higher.
2. Can I lose SSDI if I earn more than $1,690 per month?
Earning over the SGA limit ($1,690) can suspend benefits. But Trial Work Period and Extended Period of Eligibility protect you while testing work. Report all earnings immediately.
3. Does the COLA increase affect my Medicare premiums?
Medicare Part B premiums usually increase yearly. However, the hold harmless rule protects most beneficiaries. Your Social Security cannot decrease due to Medicare premium increases.
4. Will SSI recipients get the increase in December or January?
SSI recipients get their increased payment on December 31, 2025. This payment counts as January 2026. It’s about one month earlier than SSDI payments.
5. How does COLA affect back pay for new disability approvals?
Back pay calculations use COLA rates from the years you were owed benefits. If approved in 2026 for past years, each year’s payment includes its COLA.
6. Can states reduce benefits because of the federal COLA increase?
Some states may adjust state supplements. However, federal SSDI and SSI amounts always include the full COLA. Contact your state disability office for state supplement information.
Take Action Now
The 2026 SSDI COLA brings real financial relief. Average disabled workers gain $44 monthly. Families gain $80 monthly.
Higher work limits mean more opportunity. You can earn up to $1,690 monthly without losing non-blind SSDI benefits.
Next steps:
- Watch for your increased payment in December or January
- Check your benefit amount online or by phone
- Update your budget with new monthly income
- Report any work activity to Social Security
- Review how COLA affects other benefits
Need help with SSDI or SSI? Call 1-800-325-0778 or visit your local Social Security office.