State Publishes SSI Benefit Chart for 2026 Including Rates for ACFs

The New York State Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has posted the 2026 SSI and SSP Maximum Monthly Benefit Levels Chart. This chart reflects the 2.8% federal cost of living adjustment (COLA), effective January 1, 2026. The amounts are consistent with our estimations reported to members in October. 

Implications for ACFs and Assisted Living

As a reminder, the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applies only to the federal portion of the SSI Congregate Care Level 3 benefit and the Personal Needs Allowance. Thus, the federal monthly SSI benefit will be $994 and the PNA $262 per month in 2026 for ACF and assisted living residents. Given that the State does not build a COLA into the State portion of the benefit (SSP), that figure will remain at $694 per month in 2026. Thus, the total monthly benefit will be $1,688 per month, and the ACF will receive $1,426 per month when the PNA is taken into account. This translates to $46.88 per day.

Reminder of Required Notices

We will inform members when the Department of Health (DOH) issues its annual Dear Administrator Letter (DAL), including a notice to residents regarding the updated rates. As outlined in last year’s DAL, ACF operators who intend to increase the rates charged to residents are required to provide residents a written notice specifying the new rate at least 30 days prior to the date of the increase. Assisted living residences (ALRs) must provide 45 days’ notice before increasing the rate for residents who receive SSI. The operator may increase the rate with less than the requisite notice if the resident voluntarily agrees to such a rate increase in writing. In either case, operators are required to amend the admission/residency agreement and offer eligible residents, in writing, an opportunity to place PNA funds in a facility-maintained account if they do not already have a facility-maintained account for PNA.

Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828