Quick summary: On October 14, 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 that covers both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). According to SSA, increased SSI payments begin December 31, 2026, and the COLA for Social Security benefits begins in January 2027. SSA also raised the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and Trial Work Period (TWP) amounts for 2027, which may matter if you work while receiving benefits.
How Much Will Your SSDI or SSI Check Go Up?
SSA ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). In plain terms, that means the yearly raise follows a federal measure of consumer prices.
How the 3.6% Is Applied to SSDI Benefits
SSA’s 2027 COLA fact sheet says Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients will receive a 3.6 percent COLA for 2027. SSDI is part of the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, so the increase reaches disability benefits too. SSA estimates the average monthly benefit for all disabled workers rises from $1,642 to $1,701 for benefits payable in January 2027.
Estimated 2027 disability and SSI amounts
| Statistic | Before COLA / 2026 | After COLA / 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly benefit, all disabled workers | $1,642 | $1,701 |
| Average monthly benefit, disabled worker, spouse and one or more children | $2,970 | $3,077 |
| SSI federal payment standard, individual | $994/month | $1,029/month |
| SSI federal payment standard, couple | $1,491/month | $1,544/month |
Source: SSA 2027 COLA fact sheet, October 14, 2026. Disabled-worker figures are SSA estimates of averages.
The New SSI Federal Payment Standard
The SSI federal payment standard for an individual rises from $994 to $1,029 per month in 2027, and for a couple from $1,491 to $1,544. In plain terms, this is the federal base figure for SSI; whether your state adds anything is something to confirm with SSA. Our explainer on SSDI vs. SSI and the difference between them covers how the programs differ.
Why Averages Are Not Your Number
SSA’s disabled-worker numbers are averages, not a prediction of your check. Your increase depends on your current benefit, and withholdings may change your deposit. Your COLA notice is the place to confirm your 2027 figure.
When Will You See the Increase?
SSI: Payments Begin December 31, 2026
According to SSA, increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026, a date SSA’s COLA page repeats. In plain terms, the first higher SSI payment arrives on the last day of 2026.
SSDI: The COLA Begins in January 2027
SSA says nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.6 percent COLA beginning in January 2027. The announcement does not give one specific SSDI deposit date. For more on payment timing, see our guide to Indiana Social Security Disability payment schedules and back pay.
Where to Find Your COLA Notice
SSA says COLA notices will be available online in the my Social Security Message Center in late November 2026. If you are not enrolled in paperless notices, you will get a notice by mail in December. If you do not have an account, you must create one and enroll in paperless notices by November 18 to see your notice online.
Who Gets the COLA, Including People With Pending Claims?
Current SSDI and SSI Recipients
SSA’s advocate notice says monthly Social Security benefits and SSI payments for 76 million Americans will increase by 3.6 percent in 2027. If you already receive SSDI, SSI, or both, SSA describes the increase as reaching your benefit.
If Your Claim or Appeal Is Still Pending
SSA’s October 14, 2026 materials do not explain how the COLA affects an application under review or an appeal awaiting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). How an eventual award and back pay are calculated may depend on the facts, so review it with an attorney. Our pages on the Social Security Disability claims process and who may be eligible for SSDI and SSI explain the steps.
Receiving Both SSDI and SSI
SSA notes that some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI. If that is you, your SSI portion may rise on December 31, 2026, and your Social Security portion starting in January 2027. The work rules also differ between the programs, as shown below.
What Else Changed in 2027 Besides the COLA?
2026 vs. 2027 work and SSI figures
| Statistic | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| SGA, non-blind | $1,690/month | $1,770/month |
| SGA, statutorily blind | $2,830/month | $2,950/month |
| Trial Work Period (TWP) amount | $1,210/month | $1,270/month |
| Quarter of coverage | $1,890 | $1,970 |
| SSI student exclusion, monthly | $2,410 | $2,500 |
| SSI student exclusion, annual | $9,730 | $10,080 |
| SSI resource limit, individual | $2,000 | $2,000 (unchanged) |
| SSI resource limit, couple | $3,000 | $3,000 (unchanged) |
Sources: SSA 2027 COLA fact sheet (October 14, 2026); SSA Substantial Gainful Activity page.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits
SGA is the monthly earnings level SSA uses to evaluate work activity. The SSA SGA page lists $1,770 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,950 for statutorily blind individuals in 2027. The non-blind amount applies to both Social Security and SSI, but the blind amount does not apply to SSI.
Unlike the COLA, SGA amounts generally change with the national average wage index. SSA measures SGA net of impairment-related work expenses. In plain terms, certain costs you pay to work because of your condition may be subtracted before your earnings are compared to the limit.
Trial Work Period (TWP) Threshold
The TWP amount rises from $1,210 to $1,270 per month, and SSA states the trial work period does not apply to SSI benefits. The rules for counting trial work months are detailed, so confirm them with SSA or a lawyer before changing your hours.
SSI Limits That Changed and Those That Did Not
The SSI student exclusion rises to $2,500 monthly and $10,080 annually. SSI resource limits stay at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. In plain terms, the SSI payment standard went up, but the resource limit did not.
What to Do Now
- Check your my Social Security account. SSA says COLA notices will appear in the Message Center in late November 2026.
- Enroll in paperless notices by November 18. That is SSA’s deadline to see your notice online; otherwise, watch your mail in December.
- Compare the new amount to your records. Keep your notice and check it against your deposits.
- Be careful near the SGA line. For 2027, non-blind SGA is $1,770 per month and the TWP amount is $1,270. Talk with a lawyer before changing your hours or reporting new work.
- Watch for scams. Review our five red flags for avoiding Social Security scams and our disability FAQ before sharing personal details.
How Keller & Keller Can Help
If you have questions about how the 2027 figures may affect your work plans or a pending claim, the Social Security Disability team at Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers can talk them through with you. You can also learn more about our disability attorneys. Results depend on the facts of each case, and no lawyer can promise approval.
You don’t pay us unless your case is approved, and fees are regulated by federal law. To get started, schedule a Free Social Security Disability Evaluation.
The Bottom Line
The 2027 COLA raises SSDI and SSI by 3.6 percent, with SSI rising December 31, 2026, and Social Security benefits starting in January 2027. If you work or have a claim pending, contact Keller & Keller with your questions. Get the Keller Edge.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact Keller & Keller about your specific situation. Figures come from the SSA press release, advocate notice, and 2027 COLA fact sheet (all October 14, 2026), the SSA COLA page, and the SSA Substantial Gainful Activity page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will SSI recipients see the 2027 COLA?
On December 31, 2026. According to SSA, increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI begin that day, and the individual SSI federal payment standard rises from $994 to $1,029 per month.
When does the 2027 COLA start for SSDI recipients?
In January 2027. SSA says nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries, including disability insurance recipients, will see the 3.6 percent COLA beginning in January 2027.
Does the 2027 COLA change the SGA limit?
SGA rose at the same time, but on a different measure. SSA says SGA generally changes with the national average wage index, and the 2027 non-blind amount rises from $1,690 to $1,770 per month.
Does the trial work period apply to SSI?
No. SSA states that the trial work period does not apply to SSI benefits. The 2027 TWP amount is $1,270 per month.
Where can I find my 2027 COLA notice?
In your my Social Security Message Center starting in late November 2026, or by mail in December if you are not enrolled in paperless notices. To see it online, you must create an account and enroll in paperless notices by November 18.
