The 2026 SSI federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual

The federal benefit rate (FBR) for Supplemental Security Income in 2026 is $943 monthly for a single person with no other income. For a couple, it is $1,415. These amounts are set by the Social Security Administration each December for the following year, based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that Congress approves.

The 2026 rate represents a 2.5% increase from 2025, when the individual rate was $920. This percentage varies year to year depending on inflation data. Your actual payment may be higher or lower than the federal rate depending on your state — some states add their own supplementary payments on top of the federal amount, while others do not.

The federal rate applies in most states. However, if you live in California, New York, or one of a handful of other states that run their own supplementary programs, your total monthly payment will be different. You can find your state's exact amount by contacting your local Social Security office or checking your current benefit statement.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 federal SSI payment for an individual is $943 per month, a 2.5% increase from 2025.
  • Couples receive $1,415 monthly under the federal rate, and essential persons (someone caring for a child or disabled person) receive $628.
  • Your actual payment depends on your state — some add supplementary amounts, others do not, and a few run their own separate programs.
  • The rate is set each December by the Social Security Administration based on the cost-of-living adjustment approved by Congress.
  • Your payment may be reduced if you have other income, work earnings, or resources above the SSI limit of $2,000 for individuals.

How the 2026 rate breaks down by household type

The federal rate structure for 2026 covers three categories. A single person receives $943. A married couple where both are SSI recipients receives $1,415 combined (not $1,886 — the couple rate is lower than two individual rates added together). An essential person — someone who is not themselves receiving SSI but lives with and cares for an SSI recipient — receives $628.

These are the federal amounts only. If you live in a state that supplements SSI, your payment will be higher. For example, California adds a state supplement, so your total would be federal plus state. New York runs its own program called Supplementary Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (SSABD), which has its own rates. A few states — including Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee — do not supplement at all, so recipients in those states receive only the federal amount.

To find out what you will receive in 2026, check your current benefit statement or contact Social Security. Your statement shows both your federal rate and any state supplement you currently get. If you are newly receiving SSI in 2026, Social Security will tell you the exact amount when your case is approved.

When and how the 2026 rate takes effect

The 2026 SSI rate became official in December 2024, when the Social Security Administration announced the 2.5% COLA. The new payment amount goes into effect on January 1, 2026. If you are currently receiving SSI, you do not need to do anything — your payment will automatically increase to the new rate on that date.

You will see the new amount on your January 2026 payment. If you receive your benefit by direct deposit, the larger amount will appear in your bank account. If you receive a check, the check amount will reflect the increase. Social Security also mails a notice in December 2025 or early January 2026 showing your new rate and explaining the COLA.

The timing matters if you are applying for SSI now. Your case will be evaluated using the 2025 rate ($920 for an individual) until January 1, 2026. After that date, new approvals and ongoing payments use the 2026 rate. This does not change your approval odds — it only affects the dollar amount you receive once approved.

State supplements and how they affect your total payment

Thirty-one states and Washington D.C. add money to the federal SSI rate. These state supplements vary widely. California's supplement is substantial — roughly $70 to $100 per month depending on living situation. New York's SSABD program pays significantly more than the federal rate for some recipients. Other states add smaller amounts, sometimes $10 to $20 monthly.

A few states run their own programs instead of using the federal system. These states set their own rates and rules. If you live in one of these states, your payment is not based on the federal $943 rate at all — it is based on your state's own program. You can find your state's rate by calling your state's social services office or searching "[your state] SSI supplement 2026."

If you move to a different state, your payment may change. Some states have higher supplements, others have none. If you are planning to move, contact Social Security before you go so they can tell you what your new payment will be in your new state. The change takes effect the month after you move.

How work income and other resources affect your 2026 payment

The $943 federal rate applies only if you have no other income. If you work or receive other income — such as pensions, unemployment, or family support — your SSI payment is reduced. Social Security counts most income dollar-for-dollar against your benefit, though there are some exclusions.

If you work, the first $65 per month of your earnings is not counted, and half of anything above that is not counted. For example, if you earn $200 per month, Social Security excludes the first $65, counts half of the remaining $135 (which is $67.50), and reduces your SSI by $67.50. You would receive $943 minus $67.50, or $875.50.

You also have a resource limit. In 2026, you can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources as an individual, or $3,000 as a couple. Resources include cash, bank accounts, and some investments. Your home and one vehicle do not count. If you go over the limit, you become ineligible for SSI until your resources drop back down.

What changed from 2025 to 2026

The main change is the dollar amount. The 2025 individual rate was $920; the 2026 rate is $943 — a $23 monthly increase. The 2.5% COLA was lower than the 2024 COLA (3.2%), which means the percentage increase was smaller. However, you still receive more money each month than you did in 2025.

The resource limit and income exclusions remain the same. The $2,000 individual resource limit has not changed since 1989, and the $65 work income exclusion has not changed since 1999. These numbers do not adjust for inflation the way the benefit rate does. This means over time, the work incentive and resource allowance become less generous in real terms, even though the benefit itself increases.

State supplements may also change. Some states adjust their supplements based on their own COLA or budget decisions. If you receive a state supplement, check your December 2025 notice to see if your state's amount changed. Not all states increase their supplements every year.

How to verify your 2026 SSI payment amount

The most reliable way to find out your exact 2026 payment is to check your benefit statement on ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Your statement shows your current federal rate and any state supplement. You can create a my Social Security account online to view your statement anytime.

If you do not have internet access, call Social Security. Have your Social Security number ready. A representative can tell you your 2026 rate, explain any state supplement, and answer questions about how work income or other changes might affect your payment. The wait time is usually shorter early in the morning or on weekdays.

If you are applying for SSI now and want to know what you might receive, Social Security can give you an estimate based on your income and resources. The estimate uses the current year's rate, so ask them to explain how the 2026 rate will affect your case once it takes effect in January.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my SSI payment automatically go up on January 1, 2026?

Yes. If you are currently receiving SSI, your payment will automatically increase to $943 (or your state's equivalent) on January 1, 2026. You do not need to contact Social Security or take any action. The increase will appear in your next payment after that date.

What if I live in a state that does not supplement SSI?

You receive only the federal rate of $943 per month for an individual in 2026. States like Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee do not add state money to SSI, so your payment is the federal amount only. You can confirm your state's policy by calling Social Security.

Does the $943 rate include my state supplement?

No. The $943 is the federal rate only. If your state supplements SSI, your total payment is $943 plus your state's supplement amount. Your benefit statement shows both figures separately so you can see exactly how much comes from federal SSI and how much comes from your state.

If I start working in 2026, how much will my SSI be reduced?

Social Security excludes the first $65 of your monthly earnings, then counts half of anything above that. If you earn $200 monthly, they exclude $65 and count half of $135 ($67.50), reducing your SSI by $67.50. Your payment would be $943 minus $67.50, or $875.50.

Can I find out my 2026 payment amount before January?

Yes. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or log into your my Social Security account online. They can tell you your exact 2026 rate, including any state supplement. Social Security mails notices in December 2025 showing the new rate, but calling or checking online is faster if you need the information sooner.