What Is the 2026 COLA for SSDI and SSI Benefits?
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026. This increase affects Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits starting in January of 2026.
2026 SSDI and SSI Payment Amounts
The COLA 2026 increase changes monthly benefit amounts for both SSDI and SSI recipients.
| Benefit Type | 2025 Amount | 2026 Amount | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average SSDI | $1,586 | $1,630 | $44 |
| Maximum SSDI | $4,018 | $4,152 | $134 |
| SSI Individual | $967 | $994 | $27 |
| SSI Couple | $1,450 | $1,491 | $41 |
Source: Social Security Administration
SSDI Benefits
The average monthly SSDI payment increases from $1,586 in 2025 to $1,630 in 2026. This is an increase of $44 per month. The maximum monthly SSDI benefit increases from $4,018 to $4,152. Your individual increase depends on your current benefit amount.
SSI Benefits
SSI recipients will see their maximum federal payment increase from $967 to $994 per month for individuals—an increase of $27 per month. For couples, the maximum SSI payment increases from $1,450 to $1,491 per month—an increase of $41 per month.
When You’ll Get Your Increase
SSDI recipients receive their increased benefits starting with their January 2026 payment. Your payment date depends on your regular payment schedule.
SSI recipients receive their first increased payment on December 31, 2025, because January 1, 2026 falls on a Wednesday.
The increase is automatic. You do not need to file any forms or contact the Social Security Administration.
How Medicare Premiums Affect Your Increase
Medicare Part B premiums are increasing in 2026. The standard monthly premium increases from $185 to $202.90. This amounts to an increase of $17.90 per month.
If Medicare Part B premiums are deducted from your Social Security check, this reduces your net benefit increase. For example, if your SSDI benefit increases by $44 per month but your Medicare premium increases by $17.90, your actual monthly increase is approximately $26.
The Medicare premium increase does not affect everyone. If you are under 65 or do not have Medicare Part B deducted from your check, the full COLA increase applies to you.
Other 2026 Social Security Changes
Several other Social Security limits and thresholds change in 2026 alongside the COLA increase.
2026 Social Security Disability Thresholds
| Category | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Substantial Gainful Activity (Non-Blind) | $1,620/month | $1,690/month |
| Substantial Gainful Activity (Blind) | $2,700/month | $2,830/month |
| Trial Work Period | $1,160/month | $1,210/month |
| Maximum Taxable Earnings (Social Security) | $176,100 | $184,500 |
Source: Social Security Administration
Need Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim?
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment helps SSDI and SSI recipients keep up with rising costs. For current recipients, the increase is automatic and requires no action.
If your SSDI claim is currently pending or you are in the appeals process, your benefits will reflect 2026 rates once approved. The Social Security Administration calculates back pay based on your disability onset date. It’s important to remember that most initial applications take six months or longer for a decision and approximately two-thirds of initial applications are denied. Many denied claims are approved on appeal with proper documentation and legal representation from a social security disability lawyer.
If you need help with your SSDI application or appeal, contact us today at (212) 605-0343.
Contact A Lawyer Today
"*" indicates required fields
Need help submitting a disability claim?
Have more questions about Social Security Disability?
This is New York Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented in this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. We may rely on co-counsel for some or all of the cases. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.