SSI February 2026 Payment: How Much You Get With 2.8% COLA

The 2.8% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 raises the SSI federal benefit rate (FBR). This short guide explains how the increase affects your SSI February 2026 payment and shows a simple way to estimate your new monthly amount.

How the 2.8% COLA affects your SSI February 2026 payment

COLA applies to the SSI federal benefit rate set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The COLA increases the FBR by a percentage, which raises the maximum monthly SSI payment for individuals and couples.

For SSI, the COLA is effective for benefits payable in January each year. Practically, most beneficiaries will see the higher amount in February 2026 payment cycles because payment schedules vary by recipient.

What increases and what stays the same

• The federal benefit rate (maximum SSI payment) increases by 2.8%.
• State supplemental payments (if your state adds money) may or may not change — check your state agency.
• Rules on countable income, resource limits, and exclusions do not change because of the COLA.

How SSA calculates your SSI February 2026 payment

Your monthly SSI check is the FBR after COLA minus any countable income. SSA uses a standard method to convert gross income into countable income, applying exclusions for earned income, unearned income, and in-kind support.

Follow these steps to estimate your payment:

1. Find the official FBR for 2026 published by SSA.
2. Apply the 2.8% COLA to the prior FBR if you want to estimate before SSA posts numbers (or use SSA numbers directly).
3. Calculate your countable income after allowed exclusions.
4. Subtract countable income from the new FBR to get your estimated SSI payment.

Example calculation steps for SSI February 2026 Payment

Here is the basic math you can apply once you know the 2026 FBR.

• Step 1: New FBR = Prior FBR × 1.028 (adds 2.8%).
• Step 2: Countable income = Total income minus exclusions (earned income exclusions, $20 general exclusion, etc.).
• Step 3: Estimated SSI = New FBR − Countable income.

Common income adjustments that affect your SSI amount

• General exclusion: SSA subtracts the first $20 of most income each month.
• Earned income exclusion: SSA excludes a portion of wages (first $65 and then half of the remainder in most cases).
• Unearned income: Pensions, other benefits, and some payments count after the $20 exclusion.
• In‑kind support and maintenance: Free food or housing may lower benefits under special rules.

Real‑world example: Estimating your SSI February 2026 payment

Below is a practical example showing how a single beneficiary could see the 2.8% COLA affect their monthly check.

Assumption (example only): Assume the prior FBR was $943 for an individual. Apply 2.8%: $943 × 1.028 = $969 (rounded).

Case study — Maria:

• Maria is single and has countable unearned income of $200 per month after exclusions.
• Estimated SSI payment = New FBR ($969) − Countable income ($200) = $769 per month.

Maria’s February 2026 payment will reflect the COLA increase and should be about $769, plus any state supplement if her state provides one. This is a simplified example; exact amounts may vary based on the official FBR and precise income calculations.

Things to check now to prepare for February 2026

• Confirm the 2026 FBR on SSA.gov once SSA publishes it.
• Gather proof of income if you think SSA needs updated information.
• Contact your state SSI office if you receive a state supplement to learn whether the state increases its payment.
• Create or sign into your mySocialSecurity account to view benefit notices and exact payment amounts.

Where to get official information on your SSI February 2026 payment

Always rely on the Social Security Administration for official rates and notices. SSA posts COLA announcements, updated FBRs, and personalized statements for beneficiaries. If you have questions about how income or living arrangements affect your benefit, contact SSA directly.

Estimating your SSI payment with the 2.8% COLA is straightforward once you know the official FBR and your countable income. Use the simple steps and example above to make a quick estimate before your February 2026 payment arrives.