2026 SSI & SSDI guide: Payment standards and work thresholds
The 2026 COLA raises federal SSI payments to $994/month. Review the new payment standards, resource limits, and updated "Substantial Gainful Activity" thresholds for disability beneficiaries.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on work history, SSI benefits are set by a federal standard.
Effective January 1, 2026, the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increases the federal payment standard for all recipients.
Sources & References
The information presented in this guide is sourced directly from official publications released by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). All benefit rates, thresholds, and tax limits reflect the official 2.8% adjustment effective December 2025 and January 2026.
Primary Government Sources:
- VA Disability Compensation Rates (2026)– Department of Veterans Affairs
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information– Social Security Administration
- 2026 Social Security Fact Sheet– Social Security Administration
- Retirement Planner: Benefits by Year of Birth– Social Security Administration
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on federal data available as of December 2025. Please consult a qualified financial advisor or accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for advice specific to your personal situation.
New Federal Payment Amounts:
- Individual: The maximum monthly federal payment is now $994, up from $967 in 2025.
- Couple: For eligible married couples, the maximum monthly federal payment is $1,491, up from $1,450 in 2025.
Resource Limits Remain Unchanged
While the monthly payment has increased, the strict "resource limits" (the value of things you own, such as cash or bank accounts) have not changed for 2026.
- Individual Resource Limit: $2,000.
- Couple Resource Limit: $3,000.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits
For disability beneficiaries who want to attempt a return to the workforce, the "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) limit is the most critical number to watch. If you earn more than this monthly amount, the Social Security Administration typically considers you "gainfully employed" and no longer eligible for disability benefits.
For 2026, these earnings thresholds have increased, giving beneficiaries slightly more room to test their ability to work.
The 2026 Limits:
- Non-Blind Beneficiaries: The monthly SGA limit is now $1,690.
- Blind Beneficiaries: The monthly SGA limit is significantly higher at $2,830.
The Trial Work Period (TWP) If you are receiving SSDI, you may be eligible for a "Trial Work Period." This allows you to earn above the SGA limit for nine months (within a 60-month rolling period) without losing your benefits.
TWP Threshold: For 2026, any month where you earn $1,210 or more counts as a "service month" toward your nine-month trial.
Student Earned Income Exclusion (For SSI)
Students under age 22 who receive SSI have a special provision called the "Student Earned Income Exclusion." This allows them to work and earn money without that income immediately reducing their monthly SSI payment.
For 2026, the exclusion limits have increased:
- Monthly Exclusion: Up to $2,410 of earned income per month is not counted against your SSI benefit.
- Annual Exclusion: The total yearly limit for this exclusion is $9,730.
Here is a summary of the 2026 work incentives:
| Category | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit |
|---|---|---|
| SGA (Non-Blind) | $1,620 | $1,690 |
| SGA (Blind) | $2,700 | $2,830 |
| Trial Work Period (TWP) | $1,160 | $1,210 |
| Student Exclusion (Monthly) | $2,350 | $2,410 |
SSDI Payment Estimates for 2026
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are calculated based on your lifetime average earnings before you became disabled. Because of this, there is no single "standard" payment amount like there is for SSI. However, the 2.8% COLA applies to all current benefits, resulting in higher average payments across the board.
Estimated Average Benefits:
- All Disabled Workers: The estimated average monthly benefit for a disabled worker has risen to $1,630 (up from $1,586).
- Disabled Worker with a Family: For a disabled worker receiving benefits for themselves, a spouse, and one or more children, the average monthly total is now $2,937 (up from $2,857).
It is important to note that the maximum Social Security benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age has also increased to $4,152 per month, though actual disability payments vary widely based on individual work records.
Conclusion: Navigating 2026 Disability Benefits
The 2.8% COLA for 2026 provides a necessary boost to federal payment standards, raising the SSI individual maximum to $994 and the couple maximum to $1,491. Just as importantly, the increased SGA and TWP thresholds offer expanded opportunities for beneficiaries to attempt a return to work without immediately jeopardizing their financial safety net.
Next Steps for Beneficiaries:
- Verify Your Payment: Check your my Social Security account in late December to confirm your specific new benefit amount.
- Report Wages: If you work while receiving disability, ensure you report your monthly wages promptly to avoid overpayments, especially with the new SGA thresholds in place.
- Explore Other Benefits: If you are also eligible for Veterans benefits or retirement, reviewing the broader landscape of 2026 changes is essential.
