Free Tool
SSI Calculator 2026
How much will your SSI check be in 2026? Enter your income, resources, and living situation below. Built on the 2026 Federal Benefit Rate of $994 and SSA's actual income-exclusion rules.
Estimated 2026 SSI check
$994/mo
Your federal rate
$994/mo
Countable income deducted
−$0
How we got this number
- • 2026 Federal Benefit Rate: $994/mo for an individual, $1,491/mo for an eligible couple.
- • With no other income you receive the full rate. You could earn up to about $2,073/month in wages before SSI stops entirely.
Your SSI estimate is $994/month.
SSI amounts move with living arrangement, in-kind support, and how SSA counts your income — the three things claimants most often get wrong. We'll check yours for free.
- Estimated SSI
- $994/mo
- Federal rate applied
- $994/mo
- Countable income
- $0/mo
- Resources
- Within the $2,000 limit
Estimate only, based on the 2026 Federal Benefit Rate and standard SSA income exclusions. State supplements, in-kind support, deeming from a spouse or parent, and the Student Earned Income Exclusion can change the result.
How SSA calculates your SSI payment
SSI starts from a fixed federal amount and subtracts from it. For 2026 that Federal Benefit Rate is $994/month for an individual and $1,491/month for a couple where both spouses qualify. Nobody receives more than that from the federal program, though about half of states add a supplement.
Step 1: count your income
SSA excludes the first $20 of income of any kind each month. For wages it then excludes another $65 and counts only half of the remainder. So $1,000 in monthly wages produces about $457 in countable income, not $1,000 — which is why part-time work rarely eliminates SSI.
Step 2: apply your living arrangement
If you live in another person's household and they pay for your food and shelter, SSA cuts your federal rate by one third under the Value of the One-Third Reduction rule. Paying a fair share of household expenses — even informally, in writing — often preserves the full rate. This is the single most common avoidable reduction we see.
Step 3: check resources
Countable resources must stay under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Your home, one vehicle, household goods, and burial funds up to limits are excluded. A single month over the limit can suspend payment, and overpayment notices often follow years later.
SSI vs. SSDI — which pays more?
SSDI is based on your work record and averages roughly $1,580/month, well above the SSI rate. If you have recent work credits, SSDI is usually the better claim, and you may qualify for both. Compare them in our SSDI vs. SSI guide or estimate your SSDI amount with the SSDI benefit calculator.
Already approved and waiting on money owed? Use the SSI and SSDI back pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much will SSI checks be in 2026?+
The 2026 Federal Benefit Rate is $994/month for an individual and $1,491/month for an eligible couple. That is the maximum federal SSI payment — countable income is subtracted from it, and some states add a supplement on top.
Does working reduce my SSI check?+
Yes, but not dollar for dollar. SSA ignores the first $20 of any income plus the first $65 of wages, then counts half of what's left. Roughly every $2 you earn reduces SSI by $1, so working almost always leaves you better off overall.
What is the SSI resource limit?+
$2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple in countable resources. Your home, one vehicle, household goods, and certain burial funds do not count. Exceeding the limit stops payment until resources are spent down on allowable items.
Why is my SSI payment lower than the Federal Benefit Rate?+
The two usual reasons are countable income and living arrangement. If you live in someone else's household and they provide your food and shelter, SSA reduces your federal rate by one third under the Value of the One-Third Reduction rule.
Can I get SSI and SSDI at the same time?+
Yes. If your SSDI benefit is below the SSI federal rate and you meet the income and resource tests, SSI tops you up. That is called a concurrent claim, and it is common for people with short or low-wage work histories.