If you depend on disability benefits, your income is at risk in 2025 and 2026.
➤ SSA is increasing medical reviews.
➤ COLA raises are small (2.5% in 2025, 2.7% projected in 2026) but Medicare premiums are climbing even faster (11.6% jump expected in 2026).
➤ Miss one notice or deadline, and you could lose months of benefits.
The good news? With the right steps now, you can keep your benefits secure and make sure you actually keep the money COLA adds to your check.
The Problem
Social Security needs proof that you still qualify. At the same time, COLA increases and Medicare premiums can cancel each other out if you’re not watching your notices.
When SSA reviews your case, they expect:
➤ Up-to-date medical records➤ Doctor’s notes and treatment history
➤ Proof your condition still limits you➤ Full disclosure of any work or income changes
If you miss paperwork or a deadline, your benefit can be reduced or stopped.
The Solution: Be Proactive & Informed
1. Understand Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)
Get practical and timely advice from experts who have helped thousands of members protect and grow their benefits:
SSA does regular medical reviews to confirm you still qualify. They use forms like the SSA-454 (Continuing Disability Review Report) or SSA-455 (Disability Update Report). How often you’re reviewed depends on your condition — if it’s expected to improve, reviews can come as often as every 3 years; if not, they may be less frequent.
Action: Keep your medical records updated and respond quickly to any review notice. Missing deadlines can result in suspended benefits.
2. Know Your COLA for 2025 and 2026
➤ 2025: Social Security checks will rise by 2.5%. For SSI recipients, this begins with late-December 2024 payments.
➤ 2026 (projected): Benefits are expected to rise by about 2.7% to keep pace with inflation.
Action: Review your COLA notice each year so you know your exact benefit. Don’t assume the increase will automatically feel like “extra money”; other deductions (like Medicare premiums) may reduce your net check.
3. Watch Medicare Premiums and Deductions
➤ 2025: Medicare Part B premiums are projected to rise from $174.70 → $185–$190/month, depending on income brackets. Part D prescription drug costs are also expected to increase.
➤ 2026 (projected): Medicare Part B premiums are expected to jump by 11.6%, reaching around $206.50/month.
Who Should Care?
Applying / Waiting / Denied
● Start gathering the exact proof SSA asks for now. That way, when your approval comes, you’re ready for reviews and annual changes.
Approved Recipients
● Keep your benefit safe. Stay on top of medical documentation and premium changes. Small paperwork slips can cause big delays.
Real Story, Real Impact
“I ignored a letter about my review. Six months later, I lost benefits. After re-filing with better records, they restored it — but I missed months of pay.”— Disability Digest member case
Why You Need to Act Now
- Review letters can arrive with short deadlines
- Premium hikes can eat your COLA
- Missed responses can trigger benefit suspension
Don’t let timing or paperwork errors cost you.
What to Do Next (3-Step Plan)
1) Get the SSA Review Guide Read the official rules on how SSA decides if you still qualify.
2) Update Your Medical File Ask your doctors for current notes, test results, and treatment summaries.
3) Check Medicare Costs & Apply for Help if Needed Know your new premium. Explore programs that lower your costs.
YouTube Highlights You’ll Love
● 2026 Social Security Disability Benefit Notice: What You Really Need to Know● Social Security Disability Benefits For Veterans (2025 Edition● When Will My SSDI Check Arrive? Holiday Schedule + Delays● 3 Ways To Save $2,478 on Your Medicare Part B Premium● Why Understanding The SSDI Process Is Important● 6 Things Social Security Disability Recipients Should NOT Do● How Age, and Work History Shape Your Disability Approval Odds — Updated for 2026● 2026 Disability Benefits: What Every SSDI/SSI Recipient Must Prepare for Before January● Real Wait Times for Disability Decisions Going Into 2026 — What to Expect
Join Us Live Every Wednesday @ 11:57 AM EST
Join the conversation. Share your challenges. Discover proven solutions.
Catch the replay:
● December 3 – Income, Age & Timelines: 3 MAJOR FACTORS That Shape Your Disability Benefits (LIVE)Upcoming Topics:
● December 10 – Missing Benefits? 8 Hidden Chances to Get More This Year – with Medicare Expert “TDD Insider” Daphne Graaf
● December 17 – 12 days of Christmas Social Security Benefit Style
Final Thoughts
Reviews, COLA, and Medicare changes aren’t just jargon. They decide whether your benefits last. You don’t want surprises; you want control.
Need Help?
● Reply to this email: support@thedisabilitydigest.com
● Ask Benny, your 24/7 assistant: Ask Benny
● Log into your my Social Security account to see messages and notices
Book Your Free Benefit Review Now
We’ll check your records, explain how the COLA and Medicare changes affect your check, and make sure you’re ready for any SSA review.
Don’t wait until you get a surprise letter or premium hike. Act today, protect your income before changes hit.
P.S. Most members who do a benefit review avoid costly mistakes that delay or cut off benefits. Don’t risk being one of the stories we warn others about — secure your review today.
Resources (open these after you finish reading)
- SSA – Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
- SSA – 2025 COLA Fact Sheet (PDF)
- SSA – Continuing Disability Reviews (SSI explainer)
- SSA – Publication: How We Decide if You Still Have a Qualifying Disability (PDF)
- SSA Red Book – What’s New in 2025
- Medicare.gov – 2025 Part A & B Costs
- AARP – 2026 Medicare Part B Premium Projections
- Kiplinger – 2026 COLA Projection
- my Social Security – Create/Sign In
Stay strong. You’ve got this.We’re here to help.
— The Disability Digest Team www.thedisabilitydigest.com
