Posted on November 7, 2025

If you rely on Social Security Disability (SSDI), care for a child with a disability, or receive survivor benefits as a widow or widower — this update is for you.
The Social Security Administration just announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, increasing payments across all Social Security programs starting January 2026.

At Bennett Disability & Consulting Group, we believe clarity creates confidence — and every dollar matters. Here’s what this means for you.

1. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026

The new 2.8% COLA is based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) between 2024 and 2025.
This increase affects all Social Security programs — retirement, disability (SSDI), survivors, and SSI.

• Average retired worker benefit: increases from $2,015 → $2,071/month
• SSI Individual: $967 → $994/month
• SSI Couple: $1,450 → $1,491/month
• All disabled workers: $1,586 → $1,630/month

Even small percentage increases matter — especially when you’re managing medical costs, household bills, or caring for dependents on a fixed income.

2. Disability Claimants (SSDI/SSI)

If you receive disability benefits, here’s how the 2026 updates affect you:

Threshold20252026Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – Non-Blind$1,620/mo$1,690/moSGA – Blind$2,700/mo$2,830/moTrial Work Period (TWP)$1,160/mo$1,210/mo

What it means:

• If you work while on SSDI, you can now earn slightly more before SSA reviews your claim for “substantial work.”
• SSI recipients will see a modest payment increase — $27 more each month for individuals.
• The maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age also rises to $4,152/month.

If you’re self-employed or considering part-time work, track your income carefully — exceeding the new SGA limit can suspend your benefits.

3. Widows, Widowers, and Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefit amounts also rise 2.8% for 2026:

Category20252026Widowed Mother & Two Children$3,792$3,898Aged Widow(er) Alone$1,867$1,919Aged Couple, Both Receiving$3,120$3,208

What it means:

• If you’re a widow or widower already receiving benefits, your monthly check will automatically increase.
• If you’re caring for children under 16 (or a disabled adult child), your family maximum benefit may also adjust upward.
• If you’ve delayed filing to maximize survivor benefits, recalculate your estimate — the higher COLA could make it more favorable to claim sooner.

4. Children’s Benefits (Dependent or Disabled)

Children may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s record — whether that parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. The new 2.8% COLA boosts those payments as well.

• Children receiving SSI now get $994/month (up from $967).
• Disabled adult children (DACs) — those whose disability began before age 22 — also see the 2.8% increase.
• Student child benefits remain available through age 19 for full-time students.

Why it matters: Families caring for children with disabilities or surviving a parent’s death will see additional monthly income. Every increase strengthens financial stability for households already managing care costs.

5. SSA Tax and Earnings Updates

Category20252026Maximum Taxable Earnings (OASDI)$176,100$184,500Employee Tax Rate7.65%7.65%Self-Employed Rate15.30%15.30%Quarter of Coverage$1,810$1,890

The earnings test for early retirees also rises:

• Before full retirement age: up to $24,480/year ($2,040/month)
• In the year you reach full retirement age: $65,160/year ($5,430/month)

If you earn above these limits, SSA may withhold $1 for every $2 (or $3) above the cap.

6. How Each Group Should Prepare

Disability Claimants

• Verify your new benefit amount in your mySocialSecurity account.
• If you’re working or self-employed, confirm your earnings stay below the 2026 SGA threshold.
• Consider a benefit review if your last denial was based on “ability to work” — the new SGA amount could help your reconsideration.

Widows & Widowers

• Expect your survivor check to automatically increase in January 2026.
• Revisit timing if you’ve postponed claiming — with the higher COLA, your monthly benefit projection will also shift upward.
• If you care for minor or disabled children, ensure all dependents are properly listed with SSA to capture the family maximum increase.

Children and Families

• Review your child’s SSI determination letter — payment standards will rise in 2026.
• If your child’s disability claim is pending, SSA will apply new income and resource limits when recalculating eligibility.
• Keep medical and school records current to prevent benefit interruptions.

7. What You Should Do Now

1. Log in to your SSA account and review your 2026 benefit notice.
2. Check your income or self-employment status against new thresholds.
3. Schedule a consultation with Bennett Disability & Consulting Group to verify you’re maximizing your benefits.

At BDC Group, we help you interpret these numbers, plan ahead, and protect your benefits — whether you’re disabled, widowed, or supporting a child who depends on SSA.