SSDI Disability Benefits are set to see an adjustment in 2026 due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The increase, though modest, comes with certain variables that could impact the final amount received. Factors such as changes in Medicare premiums, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), and other potential deductions could alter the net benefit.
According to Futbolete, the true impact of the adjustment depends on several elements beyond just the percentage increase. This article provides a detailed overview of the potential COLA bump and explains the factors that could influence the amount SSDI beneficiaries will ultimately receive.
SSDI Coverage and the Impact of COLA
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program currently provides coverage for about 7.1 million individuals. According to the most recent Monthly Statistical Snapshot from the Social Security Administration (SSA), this includes disabled workers, their children, and survivors. With such a large number of beneficiaries, any change in SSDI payments affects millions of households across the country.
In 2025, the average monthly SSDI payment was $1,582.95, significantly lower than the average payment for retired workers, which was around $2,008 per month. The COLA increase aims to address inflation, ensuring that recipients’ purchasing power doesn’t erode over time. The expected COLA for 2026 is projected to be modest but helpful, with an increase of around 2.7% to 2.8%.
How Much Will Your SSDI Check Increase in 2026?
The short answer: the increase isn’t likely to be life-changing for most. For instance, a 2.7% COLA would result in an additional $42.74 per month, bringing the average SSDI check to $1,625.69 starting in January 2026. If the COLA were slightly higher, at 2.8%, the increase would be $44.32, pushing the new monthly total to $1,627.27. This would amount to an annual increase of $531.84—a decent bump, but still relatively modest.
However, for beneficiaries receiving lower SSDI payments, like those who receive the minimum monthly amount of $967, the increase would be just $26.11. On the other hand, the highest SSDI payments of $4,018 would see a larger increase of $108.49. While this range reflects the variability of payments, the increase, though modest, could still help cover everyday expenses such as utilities, groceries, and prescription drugs.
Factors That Could Reduce Your SSDI Increase
While it’s nice to get a COLA boost, the reality is that these increases often come with caveats. One of the main factors that could reduce the net increase is the Medicare Part B premium. This premium is the first deduction taken from your SSDI payment, and for 2026, it’s expected to rise by $10 to $15, bringing the premium to around $185 to $190 per month. This increase could eat up between 20% and 35% of your COLA boost, depending on the size of your monthly benefit.
Moreover, some SSDI recipients could face even higher Medicare premiums due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). This adjustment is made based on your income level, meaning higher earners on SSDI might see a larger premium increase. Additionally, there are other deductions to consider, including federal income tax withholdings, child support garnishments, and potential federal recovery efforts for debts owed. These deductions can quickly add up, reducing the real value of your increase.
How to Prepare for the SSDI COLA
To prepare for these changes, it’s essential to monitor your own situation. You can log into your SSA account at ssa.gov to review how the COLA will affect your specific benefits. Additionally, understanding the exact Medicare premium changes can help you plan for the impact on your monthly check.
If you find that the increase won’t be as large as you hoped, it may be a good idea to adjust your budget and explore other government programs that could offer assistance. The SSA offers various resources for individuals facing financial hardship, and it’s worth investigating what might be available to you.
