Now that we have to admit that the holidays are truly over and we’re embedded in the new year, for better or for worse, it’s worth having a quick look over the new annual figures that will affect those of us who receive federal benefits.
By now everyone who receives SSI should have seen the 2.8% increase in their payment, and those receiving the full Federal Benefit Rate will have taken home $994 this month. Those eligible couples will still only count as 1 1/2 beneficiaries and will have had to make do with $1,491.
For those of you on SSDI who are working, the magic number for the Trial Worl Period is $1,210; while the Substantial Gainful Activity figure to bear in mind is $1,690. Blind workers should be aware that their SGA is now up to $2,830.
Students on SSI and under the age of 22 should keep their eye on the new Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) figures which now stand at a monthly maximum exclusion of $2,410, while the annual maximum is going to be $9,730.
Another key change is the standard Medicare Part B premium, which is now up to $202.90 a month. For more details on Medicare changes in 2026 you can see our blog here A Bitter Pill: Medicare Costs in 2026 | Maryland Benefits Counseling Network
So that’s what we’re working with for the next 51 weeks or so; we at MDBCN wish you all very best for the coming year and beyond!