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

What the 2.8% COLA Means for Your SSI February 2026 Payment

The 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced for 2026 increases the federal portion of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by 2.8%. This means your monthly federal SSI benefit will be multiplied by 1.028 starting with the payment that reflects the COLA.

Keep in mind that many states add a supplemental payment to the federal SSI benefit. State supplements are set by each state and may not increase by the same percentage.

How to Calculate Your New SSI Amount

Estimating your February 2026 payment is simple. Multiply your current federal SSI payment by 1.028 to find the federal portion after COLA.

Step 1: Find your current federal SSI monthly amount (this is shown on your benefit letter or Social Security statement).
Step 2: Multiply that number by 1.028.
Step 3: Add any state supplement you receive to the adjusted federal amount.

Example calculations using the 2.8% COLA

Example A — Individual receiving $600 federal SSI: $600 × 1.028 = $616.80. Increase = $16.80 before any state supplement.
Example B — Individual receiving $900 federal SSI: $900 × 1.028 = $925.20. Increase = $25.20 before state supplement.
Example C — Couple (federal portion) receiving $1,200 combined: $1,200 × 1.028 = $1,233.60. Increase = $33.60 before state supplement.

SSI February 2026 Payment: When You’ll Get It

SSI payments are generally scheduled for the 1st of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, Social Security typically issues the payment on the last business day before the 1st.

For planning, note that Feb 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday. That means SSI payments normally scheduled for February will likely be deposited on the last business day prior to Feb 1 (for many recipients this is Friday, January 30, 2026), though exact timing can depend on your bank.

How direct deposit timing works

Direct deposit: Funds are generally available on the scheduled payment date or the preceding business day if the payment date falls on a weekend or holiday.
Paper checks: May arrive a day or two later due to mail delivery times.
Bank holds: Some banks may place a short hold; contact your bank if funds do not appear on the expected date.

Things That Can Change Your Final Payment

Several factors can affect the amount you actually receive in February 2026 even after applying the 2.8% COLA.

Countable income: Earnings, pensions, or other income can reduce SSI benefits under the program’s income rules.
Resources: If your countable resources exceed allowed limits, benefits can be affected.
State supplements: Your state may add a monthly payment that can be different from the federal COLA.
Deductions: Medicare premiums or other mandatory deductions can lower the net payment.

Small Real-World Case Study

Maria is 68 and has been receiving $642 per month in federal SSI benefits. Her state also pays a $30 monthly supplement. She wants to know what to expect in February 2026.

Federal portion after COLA: $642 × 1.028 = $660.00 (rounded to nearest cent: $660.00).
Add state supplement: $660.00 + $30 = $690.00 total expected monthly payment.
Net change: Maria’s federal benefit increased $18.00, so her total monthly income rose from $672 to $690.

This example shows how the COLA affects the federal portion and why state supplements matter to the final total.

Did You Know?

The COLA is tied to inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Social Security and SSI COLAs are designed to help benefits keep pace with rising costs, but individual living costs may vary.

What To Do If Your Payment Looks Wrong

If your February 2026 payment does not match the expected COLA increase, check these items first.

Look for a Social Security notice or letter explaining changes.
Verify whether a state supplement changed or was withheld.
Confirm whether any new income, Medicare premiums, or overpayments affected benefits.
Contact your local Social Security office or call the SSA national number for clarification.

Key Takeaways for SSI February 2026 Payment With 2.8% COLA

The federal SSI benefit will be multiplied by 1.028 to reflect the 2.8% COLA.
State supplements may change your total SSI payment and are decided by each state.
If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is typically issued the previous business day; for Feb 2026 that means payment likely hits accounts before Feb 1.
Use the simple multiplication method to estimate your new amount and contact SSA for any discrepancies.

If you want, provide your current federal SSI amount and any known state supplement and I can calculate the expected February 2026 total for you.