Monthly SSDI Payments See A 2.8% Increase In 2026

Beginning in 2026, Americans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits will receive a 2.8% increase in their monthly benefit. This adjustment, which takes effect in January 2026, aims to help beneficiaries manage the rising cost of living expenses.

“This projected cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reflects the relationship between increasing living costs in the U.S. and the need for benefits to keep up with those expenses,” said Steve Perrigo, vice president at Allsup. “The annual adjustment helps individuals with disabilities offset ongoing costs for housing, healthcare and other daily necessities.”

What SSDI Beneficiaries Can Expect In 2026

Based on this 2.8% estimate, the average monthly SSDI benefit is expected to rise from approximately $1,586 in 2025 to about $1,630 in 2026 — an increase of roughly $44 per month or $528 annually (before deductions). If you receive SSDI and have a spouse and children, your family’s total benefits will increase. For example, the SSA states that for a worker with a disability who has a spouse and one or more children, the benefit increases from $2,857 per month in 2025 to $2,937 in 2026. This is an increase of $80 per month, or about $960 annually (before deductions). Find more detail on the SSA’s COLA fact sheet.

The Many Benefits Of SSDI

SSDI benefits are determined based on your earnings record and your contributions to Social Security through payroll taxes. In addition to monthly payments, SSDI recipients are eligible for a range of benefits, including:

• Dependent benefits for children under 18.
• Medicare eligibility after 24 months of receiving SSDI.
• Return-to-work incentives allowing beneficiaries to test employment without losing benefits.
• Extended COBRA coverage and retirement benefit protections.

“The annual COLA adjustment can offer some help in keeping up with everyday expenses,” Perrigo said.

“For individuals who are receiving SSDI and considering returning to work, the Ticket To Work Program, provides valuable support to explore employment options while maintaining access to their benefits.” He added that individuals considering work can get assistance during the shutdown by contacting Allsup Employment Services, which is an SSA-authorized Employment Network and a subsidiary of Allsup. Learn more at AllsupES.com.

With the estimated COLA and access to Disability Financial Solutions from Allsup, individuals receiving SSDI benefits can better manage their finances and plan for 2026 with more certainty. Starting December 2025, SSA will begin sending notices to tell beneficiaries about their new 2026 benefit amounts. These notices be a one‑page letter that the SSA  introduced last year to make it easier for beneficiaries to read and understand. The COLA increase also means increased benefits for existing veterans beneficiaries as well.

Allsup is committed to guiding individuals experiencing disabilities through every stage of the SSDI process from application to appeal. In addition, Allsup Veterans Appeals is committed to helping veterans find success with their appeals for disability claims through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as well. Learn more at AllsupVeteransAppeals.com.

For more information about applying for SSDI benefits or determining eligibility, visit https://www.allsup.com/apply-for-ssdi-benefits or call (800) 678-3276.