SSI January 2026 Payment How Much You Will Get With 2.8 Percent COLA

Overview of the SSI January 2026 Payment change

The Social Security Administration applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) each January. For January 2026 the COLA is set at 2.8 percent. This article explains what that increase means, how to estimate your new SSI payment, and practical steps to check your exact amount.

How the 2.8 Percent COLA Works for SSI January 2026 Payment

COLA raises the federal SSI benefit rate to help benefits keep pace with inflation. The 2.8 percent COLA multiplies your current monthly SSI amount by 1.028 to produce your new base payment for January 2026.

State supplements or other income rules can affect the final amount you receive. Some states add their own monthly payments, and those can be unchanged, increased, or reduced depending on state policy.

Quick formula to estimate your new payment

• New payment = Current SSI payment × 1.028
• Increase amount = Current SSI payment × 0.028
• Round to the nearest cent for your actual monthly total

Step-by-step: Estimate Your SSI January 2026 Payment

Follow these steps to get a quick estimate of what you will receive in January 2026 after the 2.8 percent COLA.

1. Find your current monthly SSI payment on a benefits letter or your bank statement.
2. Multiply that amount by 0.028 to calculate the COLA increase.
3. Add the increase to your current payment to get the estimated new monthly SSI payment.
4. Check for any state supplement or other deductions that might change the final deposit you receive.

Example calculations

Use these examples to understand how the 2.8 percent COLA changes different payment levels.

• If your current SSI is $600: increase = $600 × 0.028 = $16.80. New payment = $616.80.
• If your current SSI is $914: increase = $914 × 0.028 = $25.59. New payment = $939.59.
• If your current SSI is $1,000: increase = $1,000 × 0.028 = $28.00. New payment = $1,028.00.

What else can change your SSI January 2026 Payment

Your SSI check can be affected by factors beyond the COLA. Common items that change the final amount include unearned income, changes in living arrangements, or a new state supplement policy.

• Reportable income increases (like pensions) can reduce SSI benefits.
• Living with someone who provides free room and board can affect payment rates.
• State supplements are separate and vary by state and living situation.

When to expect the payment

SSI payments continue to be issued on the same monthly schedule in January. The COLA takes effect with the January payment, so you should see the adjusted amount in your first deposit that month.

How to verify your exact SSI January 2026 Payment

To confirm the exact adjusted amount, use one of these methods.

• Check your SSA online account at ssa.gov for personalized benefit details.
• Review the benefits letter mailed by Social Security that states your new payment amount.
• Call Social Security or visit a local office if you have questions about state supplements or income counts.

Documentation to keep handy

When checking your payment or calling Social Security, have these items ready.

• Your Social Security number or SSA account login
• Recent bank statement showing SSI deposits
• Any notices from SSA that mention changes in benefit amount

Case study: A simple real-world example

Maria is an SSI recipient who currently receives a monthly federal SSI payment of $914. She lives in a state that adds no supplement. To estimate her January 2026 payment with the 2.8 percent COLA she follows the formula.

Calculation:

• Increase = $914 × 0.028 = $25.59
• New estimated payment = $914 + $25.59 = $939.59

Maria should see an estimated increase of $25.59 in her January 2026 deposit, assuming no other income changes or state adjustments.

Practical tips for SSI recipients

Here are helpful tips to make sure you get the correct SSI January 2026 payment and understand changes.

• Verify your SSA online account a week before the payment to see posted updates.
• Report any changes in income, living arrangements, or address promptly.
• Keep benefit letters for your records—they explain why your amount changed.

Final notes on the SSI January 2026 Payment and 2.8 Percent COLA

The 2.8 percent COLA will increase federal SSI payments in January 2026. Use the simple formula in this article to estimate your new amount and verify with SSA for the exact figure. Remember that state supplements and other income rules may change your final deposit.

If you need help calculating your exact payment or understanding local rules, contact your local Social Security office or an accredited benefits counselor.