The Social Security Administration applies cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) each year when there is an increase. If the COLA for 2026 is 2.8%, the SSI January 2026 payment will reflect that rise. This article explains how to calculate your new amount, how other income affects your SSI, and gives clear examples you can use to estimate your payment.
How SSI January 2026 Payment Changes With a 2.8% COLA
COLA increases the federal benefit rate (FBR) by a percentage determined by the Social Security Administration. A 2.8% increase means your base SSI benefit is multiplied by 1.028.
Simple formula
To estimate your January 2026 SSI payment when COLA is 2.8%:
- New SSI amount = Current SSI amount × 1.028
- Round cents as typical (SSA issues full dollar amounts in your statement)
Estimating Your Payment: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to estimate what you will receive in January 2026.
- Find your current monthly SSI amount. Use your latest SSA statement or current bank deposit.
- Multiply that amount by 1.028 to reflect a 2.8% increase.
- If you receive a partial payment now (because of other income), apply the same multiplier to your current net SSI amount.
- Check for state supplements—many states add monthly payments to the federal SSI amount. State supplements typically increase by the same COLA but are managed by the state.
Example multipliers
- $800 × 1.028 = $822.40 → $822 or $822.40 depending on rounding
- $900 × 1.028 = $925.20 → about $925
- $1,200 × 1.028 = $1,234.00
How Other Income Affects the January 2026 SSI Payment
SSI is need-based and reduced by countable income. The COLA raises the base SSI amount, but if you have wages, pensions, or unearned income, your net SSI still depends on countable income rules.
Quick rules for countable income
- The first $20 of most income each month is excluded.
- Earned income has a larger exclusion: after a $65 general exclusion, SSA subtracts half of remaining earned income from SSI.
- Unearned income (pensions, some benefits) generally reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar after the $20 exclusion.
Example: If your new gross SSI after COLA is $900 and you have $150 in countable unearned income, your net SSI will be $900 − $150 = $750.
State Supplements and January 2026 Payments
Many states add a supplemental payment to the federal SSI. State supplements are separate and managed by each state agency. Check your state’s website or contact the local Social Security office to confirm whether your state increases its supplement when the federal COLA changes.
Things to check with your state
- Whether the state pays a supplement
- How the state handles COLA adjustments
- Any changes to eligibility rules or payment dates
Real-World Case Study
Maria is 68 and receives $700 per month in SSI now. She has a small pension of $100 per month.
- Current SSI: $700
- Pension (countable unearned income): $100
- Net current SSI: $700 − $100 = $600
- New SSI with 2.8% COLA: $700 × 1.028 = $719.60
- New net SSI after pension: $719.60 − $100 = $619.60
Maria’s January 2026 net payment would increase from $600 to about $620 per month, a rise of roughly $20.
Common Questions About the SSI January 2026 Payment
When will I see the increase?
COLA increases announced by SSA are effective for benefits payable in January of the next year. Expect the higher payment in your January 2026 deposit if SSA confirms a 2.8% COLA.
Will Medicare premiums change my payment?
Medicare Part B premiums are sometimes deducted from Social Security benefits but not typically from SSI payments directly. If you have Medicare premiums withheld from other SSA benefits you receive, discuss with SSA how that affects your total resources.
Useful Checklist Before January 2026
- Locate your current SSI statement or recent deposit amount.
- Calculate your expected new amount using the 1.028 multiplier.
- List any other income that counts against SSI and adjust your estimate.
- Check whether your state provides a supplemental payment.
- Confirm your direct deposit information so the payment arrives on time.
These steps will help you estimate your new monthly income and plan for any budget changes when the 2.8% COLA takes effect in January 2026.
For the exact official SSI Federal Benefit Rates and your personalized amount, visit the Social Security Administration website or call your local SSA office. They can give the official FBR and confirm your exact January 2026 payment amount once COLA is finalized.
