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 settle into February 2026.
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 the average disabled worker can expect an increase of approximately $44 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.
Trial Work Period (TWP) Threshold for 2026
The Trial Work Period allows SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. For 2026, the TWP earnings threshold has increased to $1,210 per month, up from $1,160 in 2025.
If your monthly earnings exceed $1,210, that month counts as one of your nine trial work months within a 60-month window. You can continue receiving your full SSDI benefit during the trial period. Once all nine months are used, different rules apply, and your earnings are assessed against the standard SGA threshold to determine whether your benefits will continue.
How Medicare Part B Premiums Affect Your 2026 COLA
While the 2.8% COLA provides a welcome increase, it is important to understand how Medicare Part B premiums affect your actual take-home benefit. The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 increased to $202.90 per month, up from $185 in 2025 — an increase of $17.90.
Since Part B premiums are typically deducted directly from your SSDI check, the net increase for the average disabled worker is approximately $26.10 per month after accounting for the premium deduction. This is an important detail to keep in mind when planning your household budget for 2026.
No Major Eligibility Rule Changes for 2026
No major eligibility rule changes were enacted for 2026. Applicants still must demonstrate a qualifying disability and sufficient work credits, and the current Medical-Vocational Guidelines remain in effect.
It is worth noting that the SSA had considered changes to how age factors into disability decisions, which could have significantly impacted applicants over 50. The agency announced in November 2025 that it would not pursue those changes. If you are applying for SSDI or currently receiving benefits, the eligibility framework you are familiar with has not changed.
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits Are Normal
| Confirmed Change For 2026 (SSA-verified as of February 2026) | Details For That Change (Effective for January 2026 benefit payments) |
| The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 | A confirmed 2.8% increase for 2026, effective for January 2026 benefit payments. The average disabled worker can expect a monthly increase of approximately $44 from this COLA, helping offset inflation for 2026. |
| Work Credit Earnings Requirement for 2026 | In 2025, one work credit required $1,810 in earnings. For 2026, this amount has increased to $1,890 in earnings, reflecting adjustments tied to the national average wage index, which typically rises with overall wage growth. |
| Changes to Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits in 2026 | For 2026, the SGA limits are set at $1,690 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,830 per month for statutorily blind individuals, up from $1,620 and $2,700 in 2025. These thresholds are adjusted annually by the SSA based on changes in the national average wage index. |
| Trial Work Period (TWP) Threshold for 2026 | The TWP earnings threshold has increased to $1,210 per month in 2026, up from $1,160 in 2025. Earnings above this amount count toward the nine trial work months within a 60-month window, allowing beneficiaries to test their ability to work without losing benefits. |
| Medicare Part B Premium Impact on COLA | The standard Medicare Part B premium increased to $202.90/month (up from $185 in 2025). Since this is deducted directly from SSDI checks, the net COLA increase for the average disabled worker is approximately $26.10/month after the $17.90 premium deduction. |
| No Major Eligibility Rule Changes | No major eligibility rule changes were enacted for 2026. The SSA had considered changes to how age factors into disability decisions but announced in November 2025 that it would not pursue those changes. Current Medical-Vocational Guidelines remain in effect. |
| Note | All figures reflect Social Security Administration guidance for the 2026 benefit year and were reviewed and verified in February 2026. Annual indexing may result in future adjustments. |
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.