The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) raises federal SSI payments by 3.6%, lifting the maximum individual payment from $994 to $1,029 per month. If you receive both Social Security retirement and SSI, your combined total rises only by the net SSI change after income-counting rules.
SSI means Supplemental Security Income, a federal needs-based payment for people with limited income and resources. The increase is automatic. No application is needed.
Table of Contents
- How much more will SSI pay?
- What if you get retirement and SSI together?
- When will higher payments arrive?
- What should you check now?
How much more will SSI pay?
The Social Security Administration Office of the Chief Actuary lists the 2027 maximum federal SSI payment as $1,029 per month for an individual, up from $994. For an eligible couple, the maximum rises from $1,491 to $1,544.
The Social Security Administration via Disabled World reports a 3.6% adjustment for 2027 applying to both Social Security and SSI benefits the Disabled World summary of the announcement. Your payment may be lower than the maximum if you have other countable income. State supplements can also change the amount you actually receive.
What if you get retirement and SSI together?
A Social Security retirement check generally reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar after a $20 general income exclusion, according to LegalClarity citing SSA rules. That means the retirement COLA does not add in full on top of the higher SSI maximum.
For comparison, the average Social Security retired-worker benefit rises about $75 per month, from $2,095 to $2,170. A person receiving both benefits should look at the new SSI amount after that retirement income is counted, not the two increases added together.
📨 Get Free Medicare Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
When will higher payments arrive?
About 7.3 million SSI recipients see higher payments starting Dec. 31, 2026, according to the Journal of Accountancy the Journal of Accountancy report on the 2027 announcement. Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries see higher payments in January 2027.
Check the payment date on your notice because SSI timing differs from retirement timing. The December SSI date reflects the January benefit amount. Keep both notices if you receive both programs.
What should you check now?
SSI asset limits do not rise with the COLA. Countable-resource limits stay at $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple in 2027.
Disabled World summarizing SSA says beneficiaries can view their personalized new amount in SSA's my Social Security Message Center in late November 2026, with mailed notices in December the notice schedule in the Disabled World summary. Use that notice to complete these checks:.
- Compare your new retirement amount with your new SSI amount.
- Confirm that only income above the $20 exclusion reduced SSI.
- Confirm bank balances and other countable resources remain under your limit.
- Save the mailed notice for tax, housing, and benefits records.
You Might Also Like
- What the First 2027 COLA Estimates Mean for Your Retirement Check
- How the 2027 COLA Affects Future Retirement Benefits
- SSI and Social Security Retirement: Can You Get Both Benefits?