The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is 2.8%. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), this increase will change the amount you get starting January 2026. This article explains how the COLA applies, how to estimate your new payment, and what might affect your final check.
How the 2.8% COLA Applies to SSI January 2026 Payment
The Social Security Administration applies COLA to SSI benefits by increasing the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) and other SSI payment calculations. A 2.8% COLA raises the monetary value used to determine your baseline SSI payment.
Not all recipients will see the same dollar increase. Your actual change depends on your current SSI payment, countable income, living situation, and any state supplements.
Key points about the COLA
- The COLA increases the Federal Benefit Rate and other federal payment factors by 2.8% for 2026.
- The increase generally takes effect with the January 2026 payment.
- State SSI supplements are separate and may not change with the federal COLA.
Estimate Your SSI January 2026 Payment
To estimate your January payment, start with the amount you currently receive. Then apply the 2.8% increase and adjust for any changes in countable income or living arrangements.
Step-by-step calculation
- Find your current monthly SSI payment (your most recent award letter or bank deposit shows this).
- Multiply that payment by 1.028 to include the 2.8% COLA.
- Subtract any changes in countable income or other deductions the SSA applies.
- Add any applicable state supplement (if your state provides one and it remains unchanged).
Example formula: New Payment = Current Payment × 1.028 − Change in Countable Income + State Supplement
Real-World Example
Maria receives $600 per month in SSI now. She has no other countable income and lives alone. Calculate her January 2026 payment with a 2.8% COLA:
- Current payment: $600.00
- Apply COLA: $600 × 1.028 = $616.80
- Countable income change: $0
- State supplement: $0 (assume none)
Estimated January 2026 SSI payment for Maria: $616.80. This is a $16.80 increase from her previous payment.
How State Supplements and Income Affect Your Payment
Many states add a monthly supplement to the federal SSI amount. Those supplements vary widely and some states tie their supplement increases to state budgets, not the federal COLA.
If you have wages, pensions, or other income, the SSA counts a portion of that income when calculating your SSI. Even a small increase in countable income can offset part of the COLA.
Common factors that reduce your SSI increase
- Earned or unearned income over exclusions (work, pensions, etc.).
- Changes in living arrangements that alter the federal payment rate.
- Changes in public or private benefits that count as income.
When Will You Get the January 2026 Payment?
SSI payments are generally issued on the first of the month. If the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA typically issues the payment on the previous business day. Check your bank deposit on or just before January 1 for the adjusted amount.
You should also receive an updated SSA notice (a benefit verification or award letter) before the payment change. That notice will show your new monthly rate and any state supplement included.
What to Do If Your Payment Looks Wrong
If the amount you receive does not match your estimate, take these steps:
- Review the SSA notice you received about the COLA and new payment rate.
- Check for income changes or state supplement differences.
- Contact your local SSA office or call the SSA national number for clarification.
Keep documentation of income and living arrangement changes handy when you call. This speeds up error resolution.
Quick Checklist to Prepare for January 2026
- Find your current SSI payment amount on your latest statement.
- Calculate your expected increase: Current × 1.028.
- List any income or benefit changes since your last SSA review.
- Watch for the SSA notice showing your new rate before January.
- Contact SSA if your deposit is different from the notice.
Bottom Line on SSI January 2026 Payment and the 2.8% COLA
The 2.8% COLA will raise federal SSI rates for January 2026. Most recipients will see a modest dollar increase equal to about 2.8% of their current payment, unless offset by other income or changes. Use the simple multiplication method above to estimate your new payment, and check your SSA notice for the official amount.
If you need help estimating your specific situation, contact the SSA or a trusted benefits counselor for a personalized review.