The maximum federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment for 2027 is $1,029 a month for an individual and $1,544 a month for an eligible couple. That’s a 3.6% increase from 2026. Here’s what you can get, what can reduce your check, and when the new amount starts.
SSI amounts 2027 vs 2026
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (federal maximum) | $994/mo | $1,029/mo |
| Couple (federal maximum) | $1,491/mo | $1,544/mo |
| Resource limit, individual | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Resource limit, couple | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Student earned income exclusion, monthly | $2,410 | $2,500 |
| Student earned income exclusion, yearly | $9,730 | $10,080 |
The first payment at the 2027 rate arrives on December 31, 2026. It’s January’s payment, sent early because of the New Year’s holiday. See SSI two payments in December 2026.
Why you might get less than $1,029
$1,029 is the maximum. SSI is reduced by other income you have:
- Unearned income (Social Security, pensions, unemployment): the first $20 a month is ignored. After that, SSI drops dollar for dollar.
- Earned income (wages): the first $65 a month, plus half of the rest, is ignored. If you have no unearned income, the unused $20 exclusion also applies to wages.
- Free food or housing from someone else can lower your payment.
Example: you get $500 a month from Social Security and no other income. $500 − $20 = $480 countable income. $1,029 − $480 = $549 in SSI in 2027.
State supplements can add more
Many states add their own payment on top of federal SSI, so your total can be higher than $1,029. The amount depends on your state and living arrangement. Our state guides cover several, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona and Arkansas, with more being added.
What counts toward the resource limit?
Cash, bank accounts, stocks and similar assets count toward the $2,000 / $3,000 limit. Your home, one vehicle, household goods and some burial funds generally don’t count.
When is SSI paid in 2027?
On the 1st of each month, or the business day before if the 1st is a weekend or holiday. In 2027 there’s no SSI deposit in January, May or August, because those payments arrive at the end of the month before. Full calendar: SSI payment schedule 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the maximum SSI payment in 2027?
$1,029 a month for an individual and $1,544 for a couple, before any state supplement.
Did SSI resource limits change for 2027?
No. They’re still $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
Is SSI getting a $1,400 or $2,000 stimulus?
No new federal stimulus payment has been approved. Be careful with articles or messages claiming otherwise. SSA will never ask you to pay to get a benefit.
Sources: SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet, SSA: SSI income rules.
