Marina
If you receive disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, you’re likely wondering: how much will my payment increase with the upcoming 2026 cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA)?
While the official increase has not been announced, current inflation data and expert forecasts provide a solid estimate.
What Is the COLA and Why It Matters for SSDI
Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues a COLA—a raise aimed at protecting the purchasing power of benefits paid to retirees, disabled persons, survivors, and others.
The adjustment is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI‑W).
Because SSDI payments are tied to the same mechanism as retirement benefits, any increase in COLA will also raise SSDI checks. That means if inflation is higher, beneficiaries receive a higher monthly amount starting in January 2026.
Projected 2026 COLA and What It Means for SSDI Recipients
Experts are currently forecasting the 2026 COLA in the range of 2.6 % to 2.7 %, slightly higher than the 2.5 % increase seen in 2025. To give context: in 2025 the COLA was 2.5 %.
| Item | 2025 COLA Basis | 2026 Projected COLA Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| COLA percentage | 2.5 % | 2.6 % – 2.7 % |
| Monthly increase on average SSDI | (Assuming $1,580 base) ~$39.50 | ~$41 – $43 |
| Estimated new average payment | ~$1,580 | ~$1,621 – $1,623 |
Assumes the average SSDI benefit is around $1,580 per month.
Thus, if your SSDI payment is around the average, a 2.7 % increase would raise it by about $42–$43 per month, pushing the total to roughly $1,623 per month starting in January 2026.
Important Details SSDI Recipients Should Understand
- The official COLA announcement will come in October 2025, after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases CPI data for July‑September.
- Delays in data collection (for example due to staffing or shutdowns) could impact timing or announcement.
- The increase is automatic—you don’t need to apply—but the exact amount you receive depends on your base benefit amount.
- Though SSDI benefits will increase, rising costs of healthcare premiums (especially Medicare Part B) may offset part of the gain.
- Because SSDI is part of the broader Social Security system, changes that affect retirement benefits often apply similarly to SSDI.
Why the Increase Might Feel Small
While any increase is helpful, there are reasons many SSDI recipients might still feel financially squeezed:
- 2.7 % is modest compared to past high inflation years (e.g., 8.7 % in 2023).
- Healthcare costs and other living expenses (rent, utilities, medications) may rise faster than the COLA, eroding purchasing power.
- Many recipients rely solely or primarily on SSDI, so even a few dollars matter.
- Since SSDI recipients often have additional out‑of‑pocket costs, a raise of $40–$45 may not significantly change month‑to‑month financial pressure.
If you receive SSDI benefits, you can reasonably expect a modest raise in your monthly payment for 2026—likely in the 2.6 %‑2.7 % range, translating to about $40–$45 more a month for an average beneficiary.
While this increase helps, it may not fully offset rising living and health‑care costs.
Stay tuned for the official announcement in October, review your finances and budget accordingly, and consider how the adjustment fits into your overall financial plan for next year.
FAQs
When will the 2026 COLA take effect?
The new payment amounts tied to the 2026 COLA will take effect for checks issued beginning January 2026 (based on the standard COLA schedule).
Will all SSDI recipients get the same increase amount?
No. While the COLA percentage applies universally, the dollar amount depends on the base benefit you receive. Someone getting a higher or lower benefit will see a proportionate increase.
Does the projected COLA guarantee a raise?
Not yet. The projections (2.6 %‑2.7 %) are estimates based on current inflation data. The official percentage will be announced later, and it may differ slightly.