Effective January 1, 2026, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase by a 2.8 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA). For new CalWORKs and CalFresh applications, the actual amount of Social Security, including the COLA, must be used beginning for January, 2026.
For CalWORKs Assistance Units and CalFresh households in their final month of their semi-annual reporting period, counties must reasonably anticipate the increase in Social Security and SSI.
The amount of the Social Security COLA is considered to be known to the county, and must be acted upon mid-period. This means that benefits must be adjusted to reflect the new Social Security and SSI amounts effective January 1, 2024.
If the county cannot change the CalWORKs or CalFresh amount to reflect the Social Security COLA, counties must decrease the benefit amount after it gives timely and adequate notice. In that case, January benefits will need to be recalculated and there may be overpayment or overissuance.
These rules also apply to Refugee Cash Assistance, Entrant Cash Assistance, and Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program applicants and recipients who receive Social Security or SSI.
These rules do not apply to CalFresh households with at least one member who receives SSI. (ACIN I-56-25, November 17, 2025.)