# How much does SSI pay per month in 2026?

The federal benefit rate (FBR) is the maximum SSI check before any deductions. Most SSI recipients get less than the FBR because countable income (earnings, other benefits, in-kind support and maintenance) reduces the payment dollar-for-dollar after specific exclusions. Many states also add a state supplement on top of the federal amount.

**Direct answer:** The maximum federal SSI payment in 2026 is $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple, after the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.

**Direct answer:** The maximum federal SSI payment in 2026 is $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple, after the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.

## How much is the maximum SSI payment in 2026?
The federal benefit rate (FBR) is the maximum SSI check before any deductions. Most SSI recipients get less than the FBR because countable income (earnings, other benefits, in-kind support and maintenance) reduces the payment dollar-for-dollar after specific exclusions. Many states also add a state supplement on top of the federal amount.

## Where does this rule live in SSA's regulations?
SSA publishes the SSI eligibility rules in the SSI Eligibility page on ssa.gov and the annual 2026 SSI figures at ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html. When SSA's public page and this article differ, ssa.gov controls.

## What if I'm not sure I qualify?
Apply anyway. SSA determines eligibility on the facts of your case, and application itself protects the earliest possible filing date. There is no penalty for applying and being denied.

## Sources
- SSA — Understanding SSI Eligibility — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm
- SSA — 2026 SSI Federal Payment Amounts — https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html
- SSA — SSI Spotlights — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/

## Related questions
- [SSI — Supplemental Security Income Complete Guide (2026)](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssi)
- [SSI vs SSDI](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssi-vs-ssdi)
- [The SSDI Application Process](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/application-process)
- [SSDI Appeals & Reconsideration](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals)
## Topics
- SSI vs SSDI — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssi-vs-ssdi

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