Social Security Disability Changes for 2026
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%, slightly higher than the 2.5% increase in benefits in 2025 and slightly higher than the long-term average of 2.6%. The adjustment applies to a wide range of benefits administered by the Social Security Administration, including Social Security retirement benefits, dependent benefits, Social Security disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average disabled worker’s benefits will increase by $44, from $1,586/month to $1,630/month. However, the exact dollar amount of the increase will depend on the recipient’s current benefits. For example, someone receiving $2,500/month in Social Security disability benefits in 2025 would see those benefits rise to $2,570–an increase of $70.
How is the Annual COLA Determined?
The SSA bases the annual adjustment on the change in the cost of living. However, you may have noticed that the COLA may not be exactly the same as the inflation rate you see reported in the news. There are two reasons for that. First, the COLA must be calculated before the end of the year. So, the percentage is calculated based on the year-over-year change in September. For instance, the 2026 increase is based on the increase in the cost of living between Q3 of 2024 and Q4 of 2025. By the time the new rates take effect, the current rate of inflation may be different.
The other reason is that the COLA is based on a particular consumer price index, called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). That’s based on the approximately 30% of urban consumers earning blue collar or comparable wages. The change in cost of living for that sector differs somewhat from the larger-scale analysis, which includes higher earners whose expenditures tend to be focused in different areas.
How Will the 2026 COLA Impact Social Security Disability Recipients?
The goal of the annual COLA is to ensure that those dependent on Social Security benefits have income that’s keeping pace with expenses. But whether or not that works out depends in part on what the disability recipient’s expenses are. For example, in 2026 Social Security disability recipients will get an additional 2.8% in monetary benefits. But, those who are also on Medicare will get hit with an increase in premiums to go along with the increase in Social Security disability benefits.
In 2026, the standard premium for Medicare Part B is increasing 9.7%, from $185.00 /month in 2025 to $202.90/month in 2026. That’s an increase of $17.90/month. For most Social Security disability recipients who are covered by Medicare, those premiums are taken directly out of monthly benefits. That means the average increase of $44/month will actually result in a monthly Social Security disability check that’s just $26.10 more than in 2025. Medicare supplement policies (Medigap) premiums are expected to increase as well.
Other Social Security Changes for 2026
The SSA makes many other annual adjustments that may impact Social Security disability applicants and/or recipients. Here are some of the changes for 2026.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is different from Social Security disability and is based in part on financial need. This benefit is available only to those who qualify financially and are either elderly or disabled. Disabled people who don’t qualify for Social Security disability based on work credits may qualify for SSI. And, some people whose disability benefits are low may also receive some income from SSI.
In 2026, the maximum monthly federal SSI benefit for an individual is increasing from $967 to $994. The cap for a married couple will increase from $1,450/month to $1,491/month.
Earning Work Credits
In 2025, one work credit was awarded for each $1,810 in earnings, up to four credits per year. In 2026, that number increases to $1,890. That means a worker will need to earn $320 more ($80 x 4) in a year to earn four work credits.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Threshold
To qualify for Social Security disability, an applicant must show that they cannot engage in substantial gainful activity. If a worker’s monthly earnings exceed the SGA threshold, they are considered to be engaged in SGA and so are not considered disabled.
In 2026, the SGA cut-off will increase from $1,620/month to $1,690/month. For blind applicants, the cut-off will rise from $2,700/month to $2,830/month.
Trial Work Period Cap
A Social Security disability recipient is allowed to try out returning to work without losing benefits. While a small amount of monthly income won’t trigger a trial work period, earnings above a certain amount do. In 2025, that amount was $1,160. In 2026, it will be $1,210. That means a month isn’t counted as a trial work month unless the disability recipient earns $1,210. That’s important, because just nine months exceeding that limit in a five-year period will shift the disabled person into a transitional period to move them off of Social Security disability.
Social Security Taxes Will Increase for Some Workers
The Social Security tax rate for U.S. workers will remain the same in 2026. Still, some high-earning workers will pay a little more in taxes. That’s because the 6.2% Social Security tax is currently applied only to the first $176,100 in annual earnings. In 2026, $184,500 will be taxed.
Social Security Disability Can Be Complicated
This short overview of changes for 2026 illustrates just how complex the Social Security disability system can be. If you’re considering applying for Social Security disability or have been denied disability benefits, you should speak with an experienced Social Security disability benefits advocate before you take the next step. Most Social Security disability claims are initially denied, but a knowledgeable advocate can increase your chances of approval by helping you assemble an application that includes the information and documentation the SSA will be looking for.
Call Disability Help Group today at 800-800-3332 to get started.
FAQs: What Veterans and Disability Claimants Need to Know About Social Security Disability Changes in 2026
1. What is changing in Social Security Disability benefits for 2026?
The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will increase Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments, helping recipients keep pace with inflation.
2. How much will SSDI payments increase in 2026?
The exact increase is based on the official COLA announced by the SSA, but preliminary estimates suggest around a 2.8% increase, similar to other federal benefits.
3. Do the eligibility rules for SSDI change in 2026?
No major eligibility rules are changing. Applicants still must demonstrate a qualifying disability and sufficient work credits. However, proposed changes to SSA rules may affect future applications, so staying informed is important.
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