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Great news for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)  for 2026. This automatic increase is designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and preserve the purchasing power of their monthly payments*. While the headline is encouraging, the real-world impact, especially for those enrolled in Medicare, warrants a closer look. What Is COLA and How Is It Calculated? The COLA is not a bonus; it’s a safeguard. Each year, the SSA calculates the COLA based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W)  during the third quarter (July–September) compared to the same period in the last year a COLA was applied. 2026 COLA : 2.8% increase Purpose : To offset inflation and maintain benefit value Critique : CPI-W may underrepresent cost increases in housing and health care: key expenses for seniors and disabled individuals  Impact on SSDI and SSI Payments 1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Average Monthly Benefit : Increasing from $1,586  to approximately $1,630 Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) : Non-blind: $1,690/month  (up from $1,620) Blind: $2,830/month  (up from $2,700) These thresholds affect eligibility for disability status and trial work periods. 2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Maximum Monthly Payment : Individual: $994  (up from $967) Couple: $1,491  (up from $1,450) Student Earned Income Exclusion : Monthly limit: $2,410 Annual limit: $9,730 Resource Limits : Unchanged at $2,000 (individual) and $3,000 (couple) Medicare Part B Premium Offset While the COLA increases gross benefit amounts, Medicare Part B premiums are deducted directly from SSDI payments , and they’re rising sharply in 2026: Estimated Increase : Nearly 12% , pushing the standard Part B premium to approximately $190/month , up from $170.10 Net Impact : For many SSDI beneficiaries, the $44 COLA increase may be consumed mainly by the $20+ hike in Medicare premiums Hold Harmless Provision There is a partial safeguard: the hold harmless rule  prevents your Social Security check from decreasing due to a Part B premium hike. However, this protection doesn’t apply to: New Medicare enrollees Those who pay higher income-related premiums Dual eligibles whose premiums are paid by Medicaid Medicaid and Dual Eligibility For beneficiaries with low income and limited resources , Medicaid may help offset the rising cost of Medicare premiums: SSI Recipients In most states , SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid Medicaid may cover Medicare Part B premiums , deductibles , and copayments This dual coverage significantly reduces out-of-pocket medical costs SSDI Recipients SSDI does not automatically qualify  you for Medicaid However, if your income is low enough, you may qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) These programs can: Pay your Part B premium Cover cost-sharing  (deductibles, coinsurance) Provide full Medicaid benefits  in some cases Dual Eligibility If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (known as dual eligibility ), you may receive: Medicare  for primary coverage Medicaid  for supplemental support, including long-term care and prescription costs This coordination can dramatically reduce your medical expenses and protect your COLA increase from being eroded by rising premiums. What to Expect and What to Watch For SSA Notices : Personalized letters detailing your new benefit amount and Medicare deductions will arrive in December No Action Needed : The COLA and premium adjustments are automatic Budget Planning : Beneficiaries should factor in the Medicare offset and explore Medicaid eligibility if income is limited The 2.8% COLA for 2026 is a welcome adjustment, but for SSDI recipients enrolled in Medicare, the net gain may be modest unless Medicaid steps in. SSI recipients, who are often automatically enrolled in Medicaid, will see a more apparent increase. For those with dual eligibility, Medicaid can be a powerful buffer against rising health care costs.\ Examples of how the increases affect payments; not meant to reflect what any specific individual will receive or qualify for.  All claimants must check their individual accounts and amounts for qualifications.  States vary in what they provide and in their requirements. Please check with your state’s Health and Human Resources department. Questions? We are here to answer any questions you may have related to Social Security Disability or Medicare. Call us today! (833) 438-7734 * This is only a general guide to the COLA increase. Each person and situation may be different. If you have any questions regarding your personal situation, please contact us at (833) 438-7734. We may be able to help. This article doesn’t mean you are entitled to any benefits or resources listed; this is just a general overview and guide. This may not apply to you or anyone you may know.

When the government isn’t paying what people are expecting to get and they cannot work because they are disabled and in the process of applying for disability benefits, what can be done? As Federal Disability Lawyers, we do not have anything at our disposal for any clients, whether in a shutdown or not to help people who are, no doubt, in a bad situation.  People cannot work because of their disabilities and they do not have any money for anything because they cannot work.  This unfortunate situation plays out whether there is a government shutdown or not.  We have compiled the following resources that MAY be able to help those in need while the government figures out its next steps.  We are NOT affiliated with any of these organizations, nor do we work with them, nor do we acknowledge that they will be able to help or guarantee anything regarding these potential places of assistance*.    Food Assistance Options Detroit Emergency Food Network  Offers hot meals and groceries  to SNAP recipients affected by delays. There are 85+ distribution sites  across Detroit, some open multiple days a week. Visit detroitmi.gov for the map and schedule. Michigan 211  Dial 2-1-1  or visit mi211.org to connect with food pantries, housing help, utility assistance, and more. They’ve seen a 200% surge  in food-related requests, so they’re actively expanding support. Food Bank Council of Michigan  Use their distribution map to find your nearest food bank. Many offer home delivery  and diet-sensitive options , especially for seniors. Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Detroit)  Increasing appointments and hours to meet demand. They serve thousands of families monthly and expect that number to rise. United Community Family Services (Troy)  Experiencing a spike in food pantry registrations. They’re expanding capacity to meet the growing need. Feeding America & Hunger Free America  National databases to locate food banks and community fridges near you: Feeding America Locator Hunger Free America  Financial Relief and Support Starlight App (via CFCU)  Helps locate nearby food pantries, check eligibility for benefits, and get directions—all from your phone. Also offers financial tools like: $50 overdraft buffer Early paycheck access Flexible payment options  for groceries Learn more at cfcu.org . CloseEnuff™ Checking (CFCU)  Designed to help stretch your budget during uncertain times. Includes overdraft protection and early pay features. Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)  Coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and support services for older adults. Statewide Emergency Support Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM)  The state allocated $4.5 million  to FBCM to support food distribution in all 83 counties , including delivery for those without transportation. Michigan 2-1-1  A free, confidential service connecting people to 27,000+ programs  statewide. Call 2-1-1  or 844-875-9211  (24/7, 180+ languages) Text ZIP code to 898211 Search services Services include food, housing, utilities, transportation, and crisis support. MI Bridges  For updates on SNAP status, applications, and eligibility. Major Food Banks & Distribution Networks These organizations are expanding operations and accepting walk-ins or drive-ups: Organization Region Services Contact Gleaners Community Food Bank SE Michigan Drive-up food distributions, 35 lbs per household gleaners.org Forgotten Harvest Metro Detroit Fresh produce, protein boxes 1-888-544-8773 Fish & Loaves Taylor Saturday Fresh Market 734-442-0031 Capuchin Soup Kitchen Detroit Hot meals, groceries capuchin.org Greater Lansing Food Bank Mid-Michigan Pantry partners, delivery glfoodbank.org  LGBTQ+ Affirming Food Resources Ruth Ellis Center (Detroit)  Hot meals and food backpacks for LGBTQ+ youth MiGen  Monthly food boxes for LGBTQ+ seniors in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Macomb Ferndale Community Center  Monthly pantry open to all Stand with Trans  Nutrition support for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24 in Detroit Additional Financial Relief Double Up Food Bucks  Matches SNAP purchases of fruits/vegetables up to $20/day. Call 866-586-2796  (M–F, 9–5) Emergency State Funding  Michigan Senate passed a $71M bill  to support food banks, surplus produce systems, and emergency assistance. ***This is a list of local resources for food and financial assistance, our office does not work with and is not affliated with any of these resources. We cannot help you with contacting these services nor can we help you acquire these services. Please do NOT call our office if you are not able to get help or through to these resources.  We are NOT affiliated with any of them and are only offering this list as potential resources for assistance.  Our office has not attempted to contact any of these locations and do not know if the numbers or links are up to date.***

Social Security has announced a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026. There are also increases to the monthly amount you can earn before you do not qualify for SSD benefits, regardless of your medical conditions.  The new SGA amount per month, effective January 1, 2026, is $1,693.00 Gross. For those who are attempting to work and receive SSD, the Trial Work Period figure has risen to $1,210.00 Gross per month.  As a reminder, TWP does not apply to SSI beneficiaries.

ManleyReynolds, PLLC is a social security disability law office located in the same building as the social security administration office. We understand that dealing with a disability can be overwhelming, and we are here to help you navigate the legal system and get the benefits you deserve About our Firm ManleyReynolds, PLLC is a Social Security disability law office formally located in the same building as the Social Security Administration office. We understand that dealing with a disability can be overwhelming, and we are here to help you navigate the legal system and get the benefits you deserve. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service and fighting for our clients every step of the way. Our personable and helpful lawyers are always working to get your benefits. We specialize in social security disability law and have experience with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, mental, and emotional impairments. Our goal is to help you get the financial support you need while you focus on your health and well-being. Contact us today and let us help you get the benefits you deserve. When you call our firm, you will talk to your attorney, not legal assistants. The attorney assigned to your case will be with you every step of the way. Your attorney discusses your case with you thoroughly and ensure that you understand each step and what to expect at a hearing before the Judge. We take the position that an informed client is a happy client. We are happy to answer questions at any point and ensure you get the right amount of money. Meet the Team Let’s chat call us today Let’s chat call us today Let’s chat call us today Let’s chat call us today ManleyReynolds, PLLC was started by Vicki J. Reynolds-Corr in 2014 to help people exclusively with their Social Security disability claims. Senior Attorney Vicki Corr, Esq. Vicki Corr has been practicing law since 2000 in the State of Michigan. In 2014, Vicki Corr opened the Social Security disability law firm ManleyReynolds, PLLC. Over the years, she has created and honed a safe environment for her clients to acquire the benefits they deserve. In her time of practice, she has single-handedly represented hundreds of clients in the social security journey. She prides herself on being kind and patient with her clients and treating them as her own family. Attorney Timothy Corr, Esq. For over 20 years, Timothy Corr has won cases in almost every court in the State of Michigan, including the District courts, the Circuit courts, the Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, and Federal Courts. His record of successes have been in cases involving injured and mistreated persons in the United States. Timothy's drive is to help others, and his experience in the courts greatly improves ManleyReynolds' ability to protect clients and ensure success.

octors have their ways of doing things, and we can't really change that. That's why, if SSA says no to your disability claim at first, it's super important not to give up and to keep asking them to reconsider. My Medical Records are Not Helping My Claim The attorneys at ManleyReynolds know all about doctors and their note-taking skills. 01 Tricky Puzzle When you go to the doctor, you usually talk about one specific problem, like a sore knee from arthritis or a nasty sinus infection. But sometimes, even if your knee still hurts from last week, it might not get mentioned again if you're there for something else. That sore knee may not be written about until your next annual physical exam. This can make your medical records look a bit patchy like puzzle pieces are missing. This is tricky because when the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your records to decide if you can get disability benefits, they might see these gaps and think you're not as unwell as you say. 03 Mixed Up Notes At ManleyReynolds, PLLC, where our lawyers work, we pay close attention to your medical records. If something seems off, like notes about you swinging a golf club when your condition should make that tough, we get to the bottom of it. We had a case like this, and it turned out the doctor's notes were a bit mixed up. The person wasn't playing golf; they were using the club to help stretch their back. Thanks to our careful preparation, we were ready with the correct explanation when the judge asked about it. 02 Don't Give Up Doctors have their ways of doing things, and we can't really change that. That's why, if SSA says no to your disability claim at first, it's super important not to give up and to keep asking them to reconsider. Eventually, you'll talk to a judge who listens to disability cases (the ALJ stage). This is your chance to tell your story to someone face-to-face and explain any bits of your medical records that might not make sense at first glance. 04 Always Remember So, remember, even if your medical records aren't perfect, that doesn't mean you don't deserve help. It just means we need to work together to make sure your story is told right and all the pieces fit together in a way that makes sense to everyone, especially the judge. Back to FAQ Page

The next step is to request a hearing before a Judge. Again, this hearing request can be made online, in person, or by mail. If you are already a ManleyReynolds client or are contacting us for the first time, we will file this request for you. Step 3 Approval The very first Step of the 5 Step Sequential evaluation that a person can actually be approved. Back to Our Approach Page Medical evidence on an applicant's impairment is assessed under step 3 using codified clinical criteria called the Listing of Impairments , which includes over 100 impairments. Applicants with impairments that “meet” the Listings are allowed without further evaluation, based solely on medical criteria. In other words, benefits are awarded at this step, and steps 4 and 5 are not evaluated. Moreover, if an applicant has an impairment not included in the Listings but considered medically equivalent to a listed impairment, the impairment is said to “equal the Listings,” and the applicant is allowed. Children also have a comparable Listing of Impairments that if they meet or equal a Child Listing, they will be found disabled and allowed benefits. Additional Info for Step 3