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.
Key Terms
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): A yearly raise in Social Security payments to help keep up with inflation; i.e., rising prices of food, housing, and other everyday needs.
National Average Wage Index (NAWI): A measure of how much people in the U.S. earn on average each year, used by Social Security to set certain limits and benefits.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The level of work that shows you can support yourself, based on how much money you earn each month.
Work Credits: Credits you earn by working and paying Social Security taxes; you need enough of these credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
The Most Likely Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026
Predictions for the most likely Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security disability are estimated to be around 2.7% for 2026. This means that recipients of Social Security disability benefit payments can expect a $40-45 increase in monthly benefit payments if this COLA holds true. This adjustment continues to assist with offsetting expected inflation for 2026.
Earnings Requirement Per Work Credit Expected To Rise
The earnings required for one work credit in 2025 are $1,810 per work credit. This figure is expected to rise in 2026. 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
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.
For 2025, the SGA limits are $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for statutorily blind individuals.
The SGA limit is expected to rise in 2026 because the Social Security Administration adjusts SGA amounts annually based on changes in the national average wage index, which typically rises with inflation and overall earnings growth.
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits Are Normal
| Expected Change For 2026 | Details For That Change |
| The (Most Likely) Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 | Predictions estimate a 2.7% increase for 2026. Social Security disability recipients can expect about a $40–$45 monthly increase if this COLA holds true. This adjustment helps offset expected inflation for the New Year. |
| Work Credit Earnings Requirement Expected To Rise | In 2025, one work credit requires $1,810 in earnings. This amount is expected to rise in 2026, meaning it may take more earnings to build up work credits. 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 | In 2025, the SGA limits are $1,620/month for non-blind individuals and $2,700/month for statutorily blind individuals. These limits are expected to rise in 2026 because the SSA adjusts them 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 expected to be 2.7% 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.