More than 7.4 million Americans are watching closely for a big announcement this October. The Social Security Administration is about to decide how much SSI benefits will rise in 2026. And for many people, even a small increase could make a big difference.
How the 2026 COLA Is Being Calculated
Every year, the SSA reviews inflation data to decide how much payments should rise. This increase is called the Cost-of-Living Adjustment, or COLA. The final number is based on how prices move during July, August, and September.
The government uses something called the CPI-W, which tracks the cost of items like food, gas, and rent. The final CPI-W number comes out on October 15, 2025. After that, the SSA will confirm the official COLA for 2026.
2025 Had a Small Raise — 2026 May Be Even Smaller
This year’s COLA was just 2.5%. That was the smallest increase in more than 10 years. It pushed the monthly SSI check for individuals from $943 to $967. For married couples, the total rose from $1,415 to $1,450.
Early predictions for 2026 suggest an even smaller bump — around 2.4%. That’s not final, but it’s the most likely outcome unless inflation spikes again.
How Much Will SSI Payments Increase in 2026?
Here’s what a 2.4% COLA could mean:
- If you get $1,000 now, you may get $1,024 in 2026
- Someone getting $700 could see it go up to $716.80
- A person receiving $1,400 might get $1,433.60
That may not sound huge. But it adds up over the year — helping cover groceries, bus fare, or medical needs.
When Will the New SSI Payments Arrive?
The new amount will start with the January 2026 payment. But because January 1 is a holiday, SSI recipients will likely get their check early — on December 31, 2025.
That means if the raise is confirmed in October, the money will hit accounts just two months later.
SSI Still Works Differently Than Other Benefits
Unlike Social Security retirement or SSDI, SSI is based on need — not work history. It’s funded through regular taxes, not Social Security payroll deductions.
Some states add extra money on top of the federal benefit. These amounts can vary by location and may not follow the same COLA schedule.
What to Expect Next
The inflation data collection is already underway. The official COLA announcement will likely come just days after October 15. If you rely on SSI, this is the one update you don’t want to miss.
Even if the increase is small, it’s a critical boost for millions who count on every dollar.
