The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program has established the amounts that beneficiaries will receive in their payments starting in 2025, showing a notable increase compared to those delivered during 2024.
The SSI benefits a person can access vary depending on factors such as personal financial situation, income, and available resources. In 2025, the highest amounts for individual beneficiaries could reach up to $967, while married couples can receive up to $1,450 a month. Additionally, those considered “essential people” will receive payments of up to $484.
Who qualifies to receive SSI benefits?
The amount a beneficiary can receive from SSI is not fixed and is determined based on each individual’s specific circumstances. For example, a senior who received retirement benefits may see an average amount of approximately $575 per month, which may limit their eligibility for the maximum SSI payment.
On the other hand, beneficiaries under the age of 18 tend to qualify for more significant amounts, averaging approximately $818 per month, which could increase with the cost of living adjustment (COLA). This increase is prepared based on the consumer price index (CPI-W).
January SSI payment dates and date adjustment
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that payments for SSI beneficiaries will be made on December 31, 2024. This payment is being brought forward due to calendar considerations, as January 1, a holiday, is not appropriate for the distribution of benefits.
On that same date, those people who receive both SSI and Social Security will receive their payments: for these individuals, the SSI payment is sent on December 31 and the Social Security payment on Friday, January 3. This also applies to beneficiaries who began collecting Social Security before May 1997.
It should be noted that there will be no additional payments or bonuses under the SSI program; Each payment is anticipated for the following month. More than 7 million people will receive their payments on that day with the aforementioned 2.5% COLA adjustment.
How are the SSI benefits calculated by the SSA
The SSA calculates SSI payments using certain established parameters to define eligibility and benefit amounts. For eligible individuals, the annual income limit is $11,604.53, resulting in a monthly payment of $967. On the other hand, couples, if both are eligible, have a threshold of $17,404.87 per year and will receive a monthly payment of $1,450.
Those who are classified as “essential persons,” meaning those who receive assistance from another person, are entitled to a monthly payment of $484, for an annual total of $5,815.57.