SSI Increase 2027: New Payment Amounts and When the Raise Arrives

Key facts

1When does the higher SSI payment arrive?

December 31, 2026 for SSI. January 2027 for Social Security.

Social Security says: "Increased payments to about 7.3 million SSI recipients will begin on December 31, 2026." Social Security benefits, which are a separate program, get their 2027 raise starting with benefits payable in January 2027. Some people get both. (SSA, COLA Information for 2027)

So the December 31, 2026 SSI payment is the first one at the 2027 rate, and the 2027 federal amounts replace the 2026 ones. (SSA, SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2027) The 2027 federal amounts reflect the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment; our guide to the Social Security COLA for 2027 covers the raise itself.

2Why might your SSI be less than $1,029?

Social Security subtracts countable income from the federal maximum.

The $1,029 figure is a ceiling, not what everyone gets. Social Security says: "The monthly amount is reduced by subtracting monthly countable income." (SSA, SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2027) It works in two steps: first it takes out income it does not count, and what is left is your countable income; then it subtracts your countable income from the federal benefit rate. (SSA, SSI Income)

Some income does not count. In Social Security's own examples, the first $20 of income is not counted. For wages, it also does not count "The first $65 of earnings and one half of earnings over $65 received in a month." It does not count the value of SNAP benefits, income tax refunds, or home energy assistance, and since September 30, 2024, "the value of food will no longer reduce your SSI payment." (SSA, SSI Income)

Social Security lists Social Security benefits as unearned income for SSI. (SSA, SSI Income) Our reading: if you get both, the January 2027 raise to your Social Security benefit can raise your countable income for SSI, which can lower the SSI part of what you get. Social Security works out the real amount, and your notice shows it.

Here is what Social Security's own example incomes would look like at the 2027 rate. These are estimates for federal SSI only, with no state supplement and no other income. (SSA, SSI Income) (SSA, SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2027)

Couples and states change the math too. For an eligible couple, the amount "is further divided equally between the two spouses," and "Some States supplement SSI benefits." (SSA, SSI Federal Payment Amounts for 2027) If you live with a spouse who does not get SSI, Social Security may count some of that spouse's income. (SSA, SSI Income)

3What are the SSI limits on savings and things you own?

Resources count for SSI. Some things you own do not.

SSI also has a resource limit. Social Security says your resources should not be more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple (official limits), and "If you're a parent applying for a child, these numbers increase by $2,000." Common resources are vehicles and money in bank accounts. (SSA, Who can get SSI)

Not everything counts toward that limit. Social Security keeps a list of resources it does not count, linked from the same page, so check it before you assume you are over. (SSA, Who can get SSI)

4What if you work while getting SSI?

The 2027 work limits work differently for SSI and SSDI.

For 2027, the substantial gainful activity amount is $1,770 a month for people who are not blind (official). Social Security says: "SGA for the blind does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, while SGA for the non-blind disabled applies to Social Security and SSI benefits." (SSA, Substantial Gainful Activity)

Social Security also says: "The trial work period does not apply to SSI benefits." (SSA, Substantial Gainful Activity) Instead, the earnings exclusions mean SSI usually goes down gradually as you earn, not all at once. If you get SSI, "you must also tell us each month if there are changes in the amount of your earnings." (SSA, SSI Income)

The SSDI side, including the five month wait, is in our guide to SSDI waiting periods and when Medicare starts.

5Where can you see your own 2027 amount?

Online in late November 2026, or by mail.

Social Security says: "In late November 2026, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the Message Center of their my Social Security account." That applies if you created your account by November 18, 2026. Social Security beneficiaries who get Medicare get their new 2027 benefit amount in December through the mailed COLA notice and the Message Center. (SSA, COLA Information for 2027)

Watch for scams around the raise. Social Security says: "our services are free of charge. No government agency or reputable company will solicit your personal information or request advanced fees for services in the form of wire transfers or gift cards." (SSA, COLA Information for 2027, accessed November 2, 2026)

6Could the raise change your SNAP or Medicaid?

SNAP does not count against SSI. The reverse can happen.

One direction is settled: Social Security does not count the value of SNAP benefits as income for SSI, so your SNAP will not lower your SSI. (SSA, SSI Income)

The other direction depends on the program. Federal SNAP rules count SSI as unearned income (eCFR, 7 CFR 273.9), and they tell state agencies to set up procedures for "mass changes to reflect cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) in benefits" under SSI and other programs. (eCFR, 7 CFR 273.12) Our reading: your state may update your SNAP amount after the SSI raise, and your state decides how. Read any notice your state sends and report changes the way it asks. SNAP for seniors covers the rules at 60 and older. For help with Medicare costs, see Medicare Savings Programs income limits and Medicare Extra Help.

7Who should check whether they may qualify for SSI?

People 65 or older do not need a disability to apply.

Adults and children might be eligible for SSI if they have little or no income, little or no resources, and a disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older. "Citizens ages 65 or older don't need to have a disability to get SSI." (SSA, Who can get SSI) Our Senior Money Checklist covers SSI at 65 alongside other programs for older adults.

• Read Social Security's Who can get SSI page and compare your income and resources.
• Start from the SSI page on ssa.gov, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). (SSA, COLA Information for 2027)
• Have your income, bank balances, and living arrangement ready. Those drive the amount. (SSA, SSI Income)

You submit your application yourself on the official site. Benefit Bull is free, always. It never files for you.

Frequently asked questions