Each year Social Security disability benefits receive a handful of changes to ensure that you are able to maintain your quality of life as economic conditions change. While most changes are routine annual updates, some shifts are important to keep track of as we move closer to the New Year.
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 Confirmed
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security disability is confirmed to be 2.8% for 2026. This means that recipients of Social Security disability benefit payments can expect an average increase of approximately $56 in monthly benefit payments for this COLA increase. This adjustment continues to assist with offsetting expected inflation for 2026.
Changes to Work Credit Earnings Requirements in 2026
The earnings required for one work credit in 2025 are $1,810 per work credit. This figure is rising in 2026 to $1,890. This means it can take more earnings to accumulate work credits, and that it may take longer to build up a work credit history. However, because the requirement is tied to the national average wage index, the earnings needed per work credit generally rise in line with overall wage growth each year.
Changes to Substantial Gainful Activity Limits in 2026
For 2026, the SGA limits have increased to $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,830 per month for statutorily blind individuals. These limits have risen from $1,620 and $2,700 in 2025. The Social Security Administration adjusts SGA amounts annually based on changes in the national average wage index, which typically increases with inflation and overall earnings growth.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the type of work a person does that earns income and demonstrates their ability to support themselves. If your SGA limit is exceeded, you can be at risk of losing your Social Security disability benefits.
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits Are Normal
| Confirmed Change For 2026 | Details For That Change |
| The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 | A confirmed 2.8% increase for 2026. Social Security disability recipients can expect a monthly increase of approximately $56 with this COLA. This adjustment helps offset expected inflation for the New Year. |
| Work Credit Earnings Requirement for 2026 | In 2025, one work credit requires $1,810 in earnings. This amount will increase to $1,890 in earnings for 2026. The requirement is tied to the national average wage index, so it generally increases each year with wage growth. |
| Changes to Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits in 2026 | For 2026, the SGA limits increase to $1,690/month for non-blind individuals and $2,830/month for statutorily blind individuals (up from $1,620 and $2,700 in 2025). The SSA adjusts these limits each year based on the national average wage index, which rises with inflation and overall wages. |
Annual adjustments are routine but meaningful to ensure you receive Social Security disability benefits that help you maintain your quality of life and keep up with the cost of living.
- SGA limits increase each year because they are tied to the national average wage index, which generally rises with inflation and overall wages. This can allow you to earn more without affecting your benefit eligibility.
- The COLA is confirmed to be 2.8% for 2026, which will help your benefit payments keep up with inflation.
- While it will take more earnings to receive a single work credit, the required amount rises in step with overall wage growth and inflation.
These changes are not intended to increase or decrease your benefits, but rather to keep them stable over time and keep them proportional to changes in the economy over time.