The January 2026 cost of living adjustment (COLA) raises SSI payments by 2.8 percent. This article explains how that increase is applied, how to calculate your expected new payment, and what can change the final amount you receive.
How the SSI January 2026 Payment Is Adjusted With 2.8 Percent COLA
SSI benefits are adjusted annually when a COLA is announced. A 2.8 percent COLA increases the baseline federal payment amounts used to determine SSI awards.
The increase takes effect in January 2026. The Social Security Administration applies the percentage increase to your current SSI benefit, then issues the new amount starting with the January payment.
What the COLA Does and Does Not Change
- The COLA raises the dollar amount of your SSI benefit.
- It does not change SSI rules on eligibility, countable income, or how living arrangements affect benefits.
- State supplemental payments are separate; some states may adjust their supplements but those changes are state decisions.
Calculating Your SSI January 2026 Payment With 2.8 Percent COLA
To estimate your new payment, multiply your current monthly SSI amount by 1.028 (that is, 100% + 2.8%). The result is your new gross SSI payment before any income offsets or state supplements.
Use this simple formula:
- New monthly payment = Current monthly payment × 1.028
Example Calculations
- If your current SSI is $800 per month: $800 × 1.028 = $822.40. The increase is $22.40 monthly.
- If a couple receives $1,370 per month: $1,370 × 1.028 = $1,407.36. The increase is $37.36 monthly.
Why Your Actual SSI January 2026 Payment May Differ
The COLA applies to the payment calculation, but other factors can change the amount you receive. These include countable income, living arrangements, and state supplements.
Common factors that affect final SSI payments:
- Unearned and earned income that reduces SSI under the benefit formula.
- In-kind support and maintenance such as free food or shelter.
- State supplemental payments that add to the federal SSI, which vary by state.
- Recent changes in living situation, marriage, or household composition.
Example With Countable Income
Maria has a gross SSI benefit of $900 before the COLA. After the 2.8 percent increase her federal benefit is $900 × 1.028 = $925.20. If she has $85 in countable monthly income that reduces SSI, her actual SSI check will be adjusted downward according to SSI rules, so her final payment will be less than $925.20.
The Social Security Administration typically applies COLA to benefit checks in January. If the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, SSI payments are usually issued the business day before.
When You Will See the SSI January 2026 Payment
SSI payments are normally sent on the first day of the month. If January 1 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is usually issued on the last business day before the holiday.
Check your bank account or the SSA online account for the exact payment date and amount. The SSA also mails notices when benefit amounts change.
Practical Tips to Prepare for the New Amount
- Check your most recent SSI award letter for your current monthly payment.
- Use the simple multiplication shown above to estimate the new amount you should receive in January 2026.
- Review other income sources and recent life changes that might affect your countable income.
- Contact your local SSA office or call the SSA for personalized help if you expect a discrepancy.
Small Real World Case Study
Case: James is 72 and lives alone. His current SSI payment is $780 monthly. He has no other countable income and no state supplement. Applying the 2.8 percent COLA:
- New payment = $780 × 1.028 = $801.84 per month.
- James will see an increase of $21.84 on his January 2026 payment, subject to normal payment timing rules.
This example shows how a straightforward multiplication gives a close estimate of the new monthly benefit when no other offsets apply.
If Your Payment Looks Wrong
If the amount you receive is different from your estimate, check for notices from SSA explaining adjustments. Common causes include changes in countable income, retroactive adjustments, or state supplement variations.
Contact SSA directly if you do not receive an explanation or if you need help understanding your new payment.
Using the steps above will let you estimate your SSI January 2026 payment quickly and prepare for the 2.8 percent COLA. Keep records of any income changes and watch for SSA notices to confirm the exact amount you will receive.