2027 SSI payments and SSDI work limits
SSI payments rise 3.6% for 2027, to $1,029 a month for one person. SSDI’s monthly earnings limits rise too, so people on disability benefits can earn a little more before their benefits are at risk.
- SSI federal payment, one person$1,029/moFirst paid Dec 31, 20262026: $994
- SSI federal payment, couple$1,544/mo2026: $1,491
- SSDI earnings limit (SGA)$1,770/moSubstantial gainful activity2026: $1,690
- SGA limit if you are blind$2,950/mo2026: $2,830
- Trial work period month$1,270/mo2026: $1,210
- SSI resource limit$2,000 / $3,000One person / coupleUnchanged
SSI payments in 2027
Supplemental Security Income is paid to people with low income and few assets who are 65 or older, blind or disabled. The amounts below are the federal maximums. Many states add their own supplement, and any other income you have lowers the federal payment.
| Item | 2026 | 2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal payment, one person | $994/mo | $1,029/mo | +$35 (3.5%) |
| Federal payment, eligible couple | $1,491/mo | $1,544/mo | +$53 (3.6%) |
| Resource limit, one person | $2,000 | $2,000 | No change |
| Resource limit, couple | $3,000 | $3,000 | No change |
| Student earned income exclusion, monthlyFor students under 22 | $2,410 | $2,500 | +$90 (3.7%) |
| Student earned income exclusion, yearly | $9,730 | $10,080 | +$350 (3.6%) |
SSDI work limits in 2027
If you get Social Security Disability Insurance, two monthly amounts decide how work affects your benefits. Both are based on gross earnings, before taxes.
- Trial work period: any month you earn more than $1,270 counts as a trial work month. You get nine of them in a rolling five-year window and keep your full benefit during them.
- Substantial gainful activity (SGA): after the trial months are used, earning more than $1,770 a month ($2,950 if you are blind) generally means benefits stop for that month. For three years after the trial period, benefits can restart in any month you drop back under the limit.
| Item | 2026 | 2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substantial gainful activity, not blind | $1,690/mo | $1,770/mo | +$80 (4.7%) |
| Substantial gainful activity, blind | $2,830/mo | $2,950/mo | +$120 (4.2%) |
| Trial work period month | $1,210/mo | $1,270/mo | +$60 (5.0%) |
Common questions
How much is SSI in 2027?
The federal SSI payment is up to $1,029 a month for one person and $1,544 for an eligible couple, up 3.6%. Many states add a supplement on top. Other income lowers the payment.
When is the first 2027 SSI payment?
On December 31, 2026. The January 2027 payment moves into December because January 1 is a holiday, so December 2026 has two SSI payments and January has none.
How much can I earn on SSDI in 2027?
Social Security treats gross earnings over $1,770 a month ($2,950 if you are blind) as substantial gainful activity. During your trial work period you can earn more without losing benefits; any month over $1,270 uses up one of your nine trial months.
Did the SSI asset limit go up in 2027?
No. The resource limit stays $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple. It is set in law and isn’t adjusted for inflation.
Does a job reduce my SSI check?
Yes, but by less than you earn. Social Security ignores the first $20 of most income and the next $65 of earnings, then counts half of the earnings that are left. Use the estimator above to see the effect.
Sources
- 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Fact Sheet, Social Security Administration, Oct 14, 2026
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment information for 2027, Social Security Administration, Oct 14, 2026
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