Every January, millions of Americans receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their Social Security or disability benefits. While that extra money is meant to help with inflation, it can quietly push recipients over the income limits for key assistance programs. From food stamps to Medicaid, these programs update their income thresholds annually, but few people realize just how much those numbers shift. Missing the memo can mean losing benefits you’ve relied on for years. Here’s what’s changing in 2026 and how to stay ahead of the curve.
