Social Security Disability Payments to Increase by 2.8% Starting January 2026
Attorneys who have clients with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims should be aware of the upcoming 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This change, effective January 2026, will modestly increase monthly payments for millions of beneficiaries across the country.
At Walker Firm dba Casa de la Justicia we focus on helping claimants navigate the complexities of the SSDI system. This adjustment, while small, is an important opportunity to remind clients—and referring attorneys—how changes in benefit amounts may affect ongoing cases or appeals.
Beginning in January 2026, SSDI and SSI beneficiaries will receive approximately 2.8% more per month.
This increase is designed to offset inflation and maintain purchasing power for individuals on fixed incomes.
On average, the adjustment represents an additional $56 per month for most recipients.
The change will appear automatically on benefit checks or deposit statements starting in January.
While this is good news, it’s important to note that the increase may not fully keep pace with actual cost-of-living pressures, especially for clients dealing with high medical or housing expenses.
How is the Adjustment Determined
Each year, the SSA determines whether to implement a COLA based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). When inflation rises, benefits are adjusted accordingly to ensure claimants don’t lose purchasing power.
For 2026, CPI-W data from July through September 2025 indicated a sufficient increase to justify the 2.8% COLA—slightly above last year’s 2.6%.
The COLA does not affect eligibility, but it can change the amount of back pay or benefits under review.
Partnering with Casa de la Justicia
If you have clients who need help applying for or appealing disability claims, Walker Firm dba Casa de la Justicia provides full-service SSDI case management—from initial filing to federal court appeals. We can:
Handle initial applications and appeals in Spanish or English.
Manage communications with SSA and medical providers.
Provide you with regular updates on the status of each referral.
Ensure your clients feel informed, supported, and respected.
Call Walker FIrm dba Casa de Justicia at 1-800-454-5454 for all your SSDI/SSI referrals.
