The 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for January 2026 will raise many Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. This guide explains how the SSI January 2026 payment is calculated, who gets the full increase, and how to estimate your new monthly amount.
How the 2.8% COLA Affects SSI January 2026 Payment
SSI pays a federal benefit rate that is adjusted by COLA. When a COLA is announced, the federal SSI rate increases by that percentage. Your actual SSI January 2026 payment can change based on that new rate and deductions for other income or benefits.
Important things to know: SSI January 2026 payment refers to the first month the new COLA takes effect for SSI recipients. The increase applies to the federal benefit rate before income exclusions and state supplements are applied.
Step by step: How to estimate your new SSI amount
Use these steps to calculate a practical estimate of your SSI January 2026 payment.
- Find your current monthly SSI amount. This is the check you receive now.
- Multiply that amount by 0.028 to calculate the COLA increase in dollars.
- Add the increase to your current payment to get the new gross amount.
- Subtract any countable income (wages, pensions, other benefits) using SSI rules to get your net SSI payment.
Example formula: New payment = Current payment + (Current payment × 0.028) − Countable income adjustments.
What the 2.8% COLA Means in Real Terms
A 2.8% COLA is applied to the federal SSI benefit rate and to other Social Security benefits. For many SSI recipients the net increase is slightly less because SSI rules offset some or all of the increase if you receive other unearned income.
States that add a supplementary SSI payment will usually increase that supplement by either the same amount or leave it unchanged. That means total monthly paychecks can vary by state.
Common examples of offsets
- Monthly pension or annuity payments are counted after small exclusions and can lower your SSI.
- Workers who earn wages will see part of their wage excluded but much of it reduces SSI dollar for dollar after exclusions.
- Medicare premiums are often deducted from Social Security benefits but may not directly reduce SSI; however, cost sharing and living arrangements can affect eligibility.
COLA increases apply to the federal SSI rate, but your actual check can change differently because SSI deducts some types of income and because many states add their own supplements.
How to Check Your Official SSI January 2026 Payment
The Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes the new federal SSI rates and schedules payments. To confirm your exact SSI January 2026 payment:
- Sign in to your My Social Security account online to view your estimated payment.
- Check the SSA website for official federal benefit rate tables for 2026.
- Call or visit your local Social Security office if you need help or if your income situation changed.
SSA typically issues official notices showing the new monthly payment amount and the effective date of the increase. Keep any letter from SSA for your records.
Small Case Study: How the Increase Works in Practice
Maria is a single SSI recipient who currently gets $700 per month. She has no other income that counts against SSI. To estimate her SSI January 2026 payment with a 2.8% COLA:
- Calculate the increase: $700 × 0.028 = $19.60
- New gross amount: $700 + $19.60 = $719.60
- Because Maria has no countable income, her SSI January 2026 payment would be about $719.60 per month.
If Maria instead had a $150 monthly pension that counts against SSI after exclusions, you would subtract the pension (after applicable exclusions), which reduces the net gain. Each beneficiary’s final check can differ.
Practical Tips to Prepare for SSI January 2026 Payment
- Review any other income sources now and report changes to SSA promptly to avoid overpayments.
- Make sure your address and direct deposit information with SSA are up to date for timely payments.
- Consult a benefits counselor if you expect a change in household composition, income, or state assistance that might affect SSI.
Understanding the calculation helps you anticipate the change and plan for any impact on rent, utilities, and medical costs.
If you disagree with the new amount
If SSA calculates your SSI January 2026 payment differently than you expect, you can request an explanation or appeal. Start by contacting your local SSA office to review the computation and submit documents that support your case.
Appeals timelines are strict, so act quickly if you think an error was made.
Summary
The 2.8% COLA increases SSI January 2026 payment by applying to the federal benefit rate. To find your net change, add the COLA to your current SSI and then subtract any countable income under SSI rules. Use My Social Security or contact SSA to confirm your exact new amount.
Following the steps above will give you a clear estimate and help you prepare for any changes to your monthly budget.
