Supplemental Security Income

SSI amount 2026 and 2027

The maximum federal SSI amount for 2026 is $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple. With the 3.6% COLA it rises to $1,029 and $1,544 for 2027, starting with the payment on December 31, 2026. Other income lowers the payment.

Retirement Benefit Calculator editorial teamUpdated 3 sources

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SSI payment estimate

The federal benefit rate minus countable income, after the $20 and $65 exclusions.

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2026 federal SSI payment$614.00of the $994 federal benefit rate

Federal benefit rate$994.00
Unearned income (e.g. Social Security)$400.00
Less $20 general exclusion−$20.00
Countable unearned income$380.00
Earned income$0.00
Countable earned: (wages − $65 − rest of $20) ÷ 2$0.00
Monthly federal SSI$614.00

Many states add a state supplement. In-kind support (such as free housing) can reduce SSI, and resources over $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple) end eligibility. The SSA’s determination is final.

SSI amounts by year

The federal benefit rate is the most SSI pays to someone with no other countable income; it rises with the Social Security COLA every January[cola27][cola26].

SSI federal payment standard and limits
202520262027
Individual$967/mo$994/mo$1,029/mo
Eligible couple$1,450/mo$1,491/mo$1,544/mo
Resource limit, individual / couple$2,000 / $3,000$2,000 / $3,000$2,000 / $3,000
Student earned income exclusion (monthly / yearly)$2,350 / $9,460$2,410 / $9,730$2,500 / $10,080

Many states add a state supplement on top of the federal amount, so the total you receive can be higher. The resource limits ($2,000 and $3,000) are set by law and are not indexed.

How other income reduces SSI

SSI is reduced dollar for dollar by countable income. The SSA ignores the first $20 of most income, and the first $65 of earned income plus half of the rest:

  1. Unearned income (Social Security, pensions, unemployment): subtract the $20 general exclusion; the rest reduces SSI dollar for dollar.
  2. Earned income: subtract any unused part of the $20, then $65, then divide by 2.
  3. SSI payment = federal benefit rate − countable unearned − countable earned.

Worked examples (2026)

  • $400 of Social Security: countable $380, SSI = $994 − $380 = $614; total income $1,014.
  • $1,000 of wages and nothing else: ($1,000 − $20 − $65) ÷ 2 = $457.50 countable, SSI = $536.50; total income $1,536.50.

If you also get Social Security, check its amount with the Social Security calculator; if you are disabled and worked, the SSDI calculator shows the insured benefit, which counts as unearned income for SSI.

When SSI is paid

SSI is paid on the 1st of each month, or the last business day before it when the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday. The 2027 increase is paid on December 31, 2026, because January 1 is a holiday. People who get both SSI and Social Security receive Social Security on the 3rd. Full dates are on the Social Security payment schedule page[pay26].

Common mistakes about SSI

  • Confusing SSI with SSDI. SSI is need-based and has no work-credit requirement; SSDI depends on your earnings record. You can get both if SSDI is small.
  • Forgetting in-kind support. Free housing or food from someone else can reduce SSI by up to about one-third of the federal rate.
  • Letting savings pass $2,000. Countable resources over the limit on the first of a month make you ineligible for that month.

Estimate onlyYour SSI payment is set by the SSA from your living arrangement, income, resources and state supplement. Report income changes by the 10th of the following month.

Frequently asked questions

How much is SSI in 2026?

Up to $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple, before any state supplement and before other income is subtracted.

How much will SSI be in 2027?

$1,029 for an individual and $1,544 for a couple, after the 3.6% COLA. The first increased payment arrives on December 31, 2026.

Does Social Security reduce SSI?

Yes. Social Security is unearned income: after a $20 exclusion, every dollar of it reduces SSI by a dollar.

How much can you have in the bank on SSI?

Countable resources must be $2,000 or less for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Your home and one car usually do not count.

Sources

  1. 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet · Social Security Administration, Oct 24, 2025
  2. 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet · Social Security Administration, Oct 14, 2026
  3. Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 2026 (Publication 05-10031) · Social Security Administration, Jan 2026