Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits continue to be distributed to the millions of beneficiaries who have qualified this year to continue being supported by this important federal program. As you already know, SSI funds are intended for people who face economic hardship due to disabilities, advanced age, or limited resources.
With the 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2025, the maximum monthly benefit will increase to $967, which is expected to offset the increase in prices of products and services resulting from last year’s inflation, which, although moderate, had its relative impact.
SSI payments: The next date your money arrives
One of the most anticipated aspects of SSI is the monthly payments, which serve as essential income to cover basic needs such as food, housing, and utilities. In 2025, with the COLA adjustment, the maximum payment will be $967 per month, an increase that reflects the growth of inflation and seeks to maintain the purchasing power of beneficiaries.
SSI is paid on the first day of each month. However, there are exceptions when this date falls on a federal holiday or weekend. Such is the case of the next payment on February 1, which falls on a Saturday, and that is why the SSA will advance the payment to January 31.
Payments arrive through three means, depending on the beneficiary’s choice. They can be by direct deposit, which is the most common and recommended way, which guarantees safe and fast access. The other can be the Direct Express Card, which allows beneficiaries to manage their payments without the need for a bank account (if they do not have one).
The last option is a paper check, but there may be more risk of loss or delay. The SSA recommends recipients opt for direct deposit to avoid issues such as mail delays or lost checks.
Who qualifies for SSI?
SSI is a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), designed for people with limited income and resources. The main eligible groups are:
- Adults over 65 years of age with low income.
- People with disabilities that limit your ability to work.
- Children with disabilities who belong to families with limited resources.
The difference between SSI benefits and other Social Security programs (such as SSDI retirement or disability payments) is that it does not depend on the beneficiary’s work history. This means that even if you haven’t worked or don’t have enough Social Security credits, you can qualify for SSI if you meet the established financial and medical requirements.
How is eligibility determined?
The SSA uses two main criteria to evaluate whether a person can receive SSI. The applicant’s monthly income must be below the limits established by the SSA. This includes salaries, pensions and other benefits, although certain income is not considered for the calculation.
Resources, such as cash, bank accounts, property or investments, must also be limited. Generally, the resource limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. However, some possessions, such as your primary home and a vehicle, are not counted.
The second criterion is the medical condition of the beneficiary: all adults who want to enter the program based on this criterion must demonstrate that they have a serious disability that prevents them from working for at least 12 months, or that ends with passing away. For children, it is assessed how the disability affects their daily activities compared to other children of their age.
