How the 2026 Social Security COLA Affects Your SSDI or SSI Payments

If you receive or are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you should pay attention to the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The annual COLA directly affects monthly benefit amounts. At Green & Greenberg, we help claimants and recipients understand how COLA changes impact their financial planning and benefits strategy.

What Is the COLA and Why Does It Matter for SSDI/SSI?

The COLA is an annual increase applied by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to benefits such as SSDI, SSI, retirement and survivor benefits. Its purpose is to help Social Security payments keep pace with inflation. The increase also applies to SSI payments.

For SSDI and SSI recipients, a higher COLA means more monthly income. For applicants, projected COLA figures help with budgeting and decision-making.

Projected and Announced COLA for 2026

• Estimates earlier in 2025 suggested the 2026 COLA could be about 2.7%, up from the 2.5% increase in 2025.
• The SSA officially announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026 in October.
• For SSDI/SSI recipients, this increase takes effect starting January 2026 (for SSDI/retirement) and December 31, 2025 (for SSI).

Key Considerations for SSDI and SSI Recipients

Even with the increase, there are critical factors to keep in mind:

• Inflation still outpaces the adjustment for many recipients
  • Many experts point out that the CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers), which SSA uses to compute COLA, may undervalue costs faced by older adults and people with disabilities—such as medical care and housing.
• Claims still need strong foundations
  • A higher COLA doesn’t remove the need for intensive medical and vocational evidence. For claimants, the increase gives added financial stability—but the core requirements for benefits remain unchanged.

Impacts for Applicants vs. Current Recipients

• If you already receive benefits, the 2026 COLA means your monthly payment will rise at the start of the new year and at the end of 2025 for SSI.
• If you are waiting for approval or appeal, the projected increase can help you understand what your future monthly benefit might be—especially important if you anticipate back-pay awards.
• If your case is pending, it’s a good time to review your situation with your attorney: a stronger case may mean you lock in a higher base benefit before any new procedural changes or policy shifts. At Green & Greenberg, we encourage clients to stay proactive.

Why Green & Greenberg Is Your Strategic Partner

With these evolving benefit dynamics, you need legal support that stays ahead of the curve. At Green & Greenberg, we:

• Monitor COLA changes and how they affect SSDI/SSI recipients and applicants.
• Help you analyze how your benefit amount may change with the adjustment and plan accordingly.
• Ensure your claim or appeal is properly documented and positioned so you’re ready for any increases and protected against offset risks.
• Provide ongoing support, especially for those already receiving benefits who want to understand how cost increases, premiums, and living-cost trends may affect them.

Whether you’re applying for disability or already receiving benefits, we offer the expertise you need to maximize your benefit and stay informed.

Practical Steps for You to Take Now

• Check your My Social Security account: After the COLA announcement, you’ll receive a notice reflecting your new benefit amount.
• Update your budget: Incorporate the projected increase into your planning—though be mindful of possible deductions or premium increases.
• Review your benefit paperwork: If you are applying for SSDI/SSI, use this time to ensure your evidence, medical history, and work record are as strong as possible.
• Consult with us: If you’re unsure how the 2026 COLA affects your case, schedule a free consultation with Green & Greenberg to review your status and plan strategic next steps.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 COLA, set at 2.8%, brings relief for millions of SSDI and SSI recipients. But an increase alone doesn’t guarantee financial security or automatic claim success. As always, solid legal strategy, proactive planning, and clear documentation matter.

At Green & Greenberg, we remain committed to helping you navigate the disability system—before, during, and after any benefit increase. If you want to understand exactly how the COLA affects you or how to strengthen your claim, reach out today so we can review your specific situation together.