If you’ve been searching for the Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart, you’re probably trying to answer one question: How much could I receive each month in disability benefits?
Each year, the Social Security Administration updates benefit amounts using a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For 2026, Social Security benefits increased by 2.8%.
2026 Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart (quick look)
Here are the most-used 2026 disability benefit figures in one place:
| Benefit / Amount (2026) | Monthly figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSI (max federal) — individual | $994 | Max federal payment before countable income reductions |
| SSI (max federal) — eligible couple | $1,491 | Max federal payment for an eligible couple |
| SSI (max federal) — essential person | $498 | Less common category |
| SSDI — average (all disabled workers) | $1,630 | SSA estimate for January 2026 |
| SSDI — average (disabled worker + spouse/child) | $2,937 | SSA estimate for January 2026 |
| Max Social Security benefit at full retirement age | $4,152 | Often cited as the “max” figure people compare to SSDI |
Important: SSDI is individualized—your actual amount depends on your earnings record, not household income or “how severe” your impairment is. If you want a personalized estimate, SSA provides a benefit estimate through your online account.
2026 SSI disability benefits pay chart
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people who are disabled (or age 65+) and have limited income/resources.
For 2026, the maximum federal SSI payments are:
- $994/month (eligible individual)
- $1,491/month (eligible couple)
- $498/month (essential person)
Your SSI payment can be lower depending on things like:
- Countable income (earned or unearned)
- Living arrangements (for example, if you don’t pay your “fair share” of food/shelter)
- Whether your state adds a supplement (some do)
2026 SSDI disability benefit payments
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for disabled workers who have enough work credits and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes.
Unlike SSI, SSDI doesn’t have a flat max payment chart because it’s based on your earnings record. That said, SSA publishes useful reference numbers:
- Estimated average SSDI payment (all disabled workers): $1,630/month (January 2026)
- Estimated average SSDI payment (disabled worker with spouse and one or more children): $2,937/month (January 2026)
2026 work rules that can affect disability benefits (SGA and TWP)
If you work while applying for (or receiving) disability, these annual thresholds matter:
- SGA (non-blind): $1,690/month
- SGA (blind): $2,830/month
- Trial Work Period (TWP) month: $1,210/month
These numbers don’t mean you can’t work—but they can affect eligibility or whether benefits continue, depending on where you are in the process.
Payment schedule: when do checks come?
SSA publishes an official payment calendar for each year. The 2026–2027 schedule is here, and it explains the “3rd of the month vs. Wednesday” timing rules (and SSI timing).
Social Security disability lawyers in North Carolina
If you’re trying to understand what you might receive or you’re worried about how working could affect your benefits, talking with an experienced local disability firm like Collins Price, PLLC can save you expensive mistakes and delays.
We are disability lawyers who help claimants apply for SSDI and SSI benefits. We can help you better understand the above information and what monthly payments you can expect if found disabled. Give us a call or contact us today for a consultation. Our consultations are always free and there is no obligation to hire the firm.
