Social Security in Montana: 2027 COLA, Average Benefit, SSI & Taxes
Montana by the numbers
| Measure | Montana |
|---|---|
| Average retired-worker benefit (Dec 2024) | $1,886/mo |
| Estimated 2027 average after the 3.6% COLA | about $1,954/mo |
| Rank by average benefit (50 states + DC) | #46 of 51 |
| Retired workers receiving benefits | 210,371 |
| All Social Security beneficiaries in Montana | 264,264 |
| Total benefits paid in Montana, 2024 (all programs) | $5.5 billion |
Source: SSA Annual Statistical Supplement 2025, Tables 5.J1, 5.J2 and 5.J4 (December 2024). The average is total retired-worker benefits divided by the number of retired workers; the 2027 figure applies the 3.6% COLA to that average and is an estimate — individual benefits vary widely around it. National comparison and every other state: Social Security by state.
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SSI in Montana
Administered by the Social Security Administration. Montana's supplement is federally administered, so it arrives in the same payment as your federal SSI — no separate application and no separate check.
Standard supplement for independent living: $0. SSA's published combined-payment table shows the federal amount only for recipients living independently in Montana; the state's supplement pays for certain residential or domiciliary care arrangements instead. If you live in a qualifying care setting, ask the SSA or the state agency which amount applies.
The federal part is the same everywhere: a 2027 maximum of $1,029 (individual) / $1,544 (couple), first increased payment December 31, 2026. Federal amounts by living arrangement are on the SSI calculator and dates on the SSI payment schedule.
Does Montana tax Social Security benefits?
Yes — Montana is one of the eight states that still tax Social Security benefits in 2027. Montana taxes the federally taxable portion of your benefits: it starts from the federal calculation and offers no Social Security-specific exemption. Some filers can offset other income with Montana's retirement-income deductions, so check the Montana DOR rules for your situation.
All eight states compared: states that tax Social Security benefits. Thresholds are adjusted periodically — confirm your filing-year figures with the Montana revenue agency.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average Social Security benefit in Montana?
$1,886 a month for a retired worker, from the SSA's December 2024 data — ranked #46 of the 50 states and DC. With the 3.6% COLA the 2027 average is about $1,954. An average reflects a lifetime of earnings and claiming ages in the state; your own amount depends on your record.
Does Montana tax Social Security benefits?
Yes. Follows the federal taxable amount. Montana taxes the federally taxable portion of your benefits: it starts from the federal calculation and offers no Social Security-specific exemption. Some filers can offset other income with Montana's retirement-income deductions, so check the Montana DOR rules for your situation.
Does Montana add a supplement to SSI?
Only for certain residential care arrangements. Recipients living independently in Montana receive the federal payment only; the state supplement pays in qualifying care settings.
When does the 2027 COLA arrive in Montana?
On the same federal schedule as everywhere else — the COLA does not vary by state. SSI's first increased payment arrives December 31, 2026, and Social Security's January 2027 payments arrive on the usual birth-date Wednesdays (January 13, 20 and 27), with exact amounts in your December COLA notice.
Sources: SSA Annual Statistical Supplement 2025 (§5.J state tables); SSA SSI state supplementation tables and A Guide to SSI for Groups and Organizations (Jan 2026); Montana revenue-department rules as published for the most recent tax year. Benefit figures are estimates; your SSA notice is the official amount.