SSI January 2026 Payment: How Much You’ll Get With the 2.8% COLA

The Social Security Administration applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to SSI benefits each year when inflation rises. For January 2026, a 2.8% COLA means most SSI recipients will see their monthly payments increase. This article explains how the COLA works, how to calculate your new payment, common income offsets, and what to do if your amount changes.

What is the SSI January 2026 Payment and the 2.8% COLA?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. The COLA is an annual adjustment linked to inflation to help benefits keep pace with the cost of living.

The 2.8% COLA announced for January 2026 raises the dollar amount of federal SSI payments by 2.8% compared with 2025 rates. State supplements (for recipients in states that add to federal SSI) may change separately.

How COLA affects SSI benefits

A COLA increases the maximum federal SSI rate and the actual monthly payments recipients receive, but the final amount a person gets depends on other income and eligibility rules.

Maximum federal SSI rate rises by 2.8%.
Individual recipients who qualify for the federal maximum will see a straightforward increase.
Recipients with other income may see a smaller net increase because some income reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar.

How to calculate your new SSI January 2026 payment

To estimate your January 2026 SSI, multiply your current monthly SSI payment by 1.028 (that is, add 2.8%). Round to the nearest dollar per SSA practice for benefit notices.

Step-by-step calculation

Find your current monthly SSI payment (what you actually receive now).
Multiply that amount by 1.028.
Round the result to the nearest dollar to estimate your January 2026 payment.

Example calculations using common baseline amounts (for illustration):

If your current payment is $914: $914 × 1.028 = $939.59 → estimated $940.
If your current payment is $1,371 (couple): $1,371 × 1.028 = $1,409.39 → estimated $1,409.

Why your increase might be different from the simple calculation

Not every recipient gets a straight 2.8% increase to their actual check. SSA applies income rules and state supplements which can change net amounts.

Other income: Unearned income (pensions, some benefits) is counted against SSI after small exclusions and can reduce the net increase.
State supplements: If your state adds a monthly payment to the federal SSI, your state amount may stay the same, increase, or decrease depending on state policy.
Resource or living arrangement changes: If your living situation or countable resources change, your SSI may adjust separately from COLA.

Small real-world case study

Case: Maria receives $600 per month in SSI and also gets $200 per month from a small private pension. She currently receives $400 net SSI after pension offset. Apply the 2.8% COLA only to the SSI portion:

Current SSI payment: $600 → $600 × 1.028 = $616.80 → round to $617.
Pension remains $200 (unchanged by SSI COLA).
SSA applies the usual $20 general income exclusion to the pension, so counted pension = $200 − $20 = $180.
Estimated new net SSI: $617 − $180 = $437.
Result: Maria’s net SSI increases from $400 to $437, a $37 monthly improvement.

Note: The example simplifies SSA rules for clarity. Exact results can vary depending on specific exclusions, earned income rules, and state supplements.

Steps to confirm your official January 2026 SSI payment

Follow these steps to be sure about your exact payment:

Check your SSA letter: The Social Security Administration typically sends a notice showing your new benefit amount and the date of change.
Sign in to my Social Security: Your online account lists your benefit and payment schedule.
Call SSA or visit your local office: If your situation is complex, an SSA representative can explain how other income or state supplements affect your payment.
Use calculators cautiously: SSA provides tools and third-party calculators can estimate payments, but official notices are final.

Did You Know?

The SSA applies a small number of standard exclusions (like the $20 general income exclusion) before reducing SSI for other income. That means not all outside income reduces your SSI dollar-for-dollar.

Common questions about SSI and the 2.8% COLA

When will I see the increased payment?

The COLA typically takes effect with the January payment. Social Security posts exact payment dates and the SSA sends letters to recipients confirming the new amount.

Does the COLA affect Medicare premiums?

Sometimes. Medicare Part B and Part D premiums can change each year and may be deducted from Social Security benefits. If premiums rise, your net SSI increase could be smaller.

Bottom line

The 2.8% COLA for January 2026 will raise federal SSI rates and most recipients’ monthly payments. Use the simple multiplication method—current payment × 1.028—to estimate your new amount, but verify with your SSA notice or online account since other income, state supplements, or premium deductions can change your net check.

If you have questions or complex income sources, contact the Social Security Administration or visit ssa.gov for official details and personalized help.