In 2025, the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program continues to offer monthly financial support to low-income people, or those with certain qualifying conditions. This program, managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), is aimed at those who meet specific age, disability, or blindness criteria.
As we have said, and SSI provides financial assistance to individuals and couples who face significant financial restrictions. In March 2025, the calendar presented an adjustment in payment dates because March 1 was a Saturday, a non-working day. For this reason, the beneficiaries received their payment on Friday, February 28, 2025.
And since No disbursement was made on March 1, the next payment is set to occur on April 1, 2025. This change responds solely to logistical calendar issues and does not alter eligibility or access to the benefit for program participants.
Federal SSI amounts approved for April 2025
The maximum SSI amounts in 2025 are set at $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 per month for couples, according to federal figures defined by the SSA. Some states supplement these amounts with a state supplement, which may increase the total received by beneficiaries, depending on the jurisdiction.
These values are subject to annual revisions based on the cost of living adjustment (COLA), which takes into account inflation. Therefore, amounts could vary in subsequent years depending on economic conditions.
Who qualifies for SSI? These are the requirements in 2025
Having already established the vulnerable groups that are considered eligible for SSI, there are certain basic (but not unique) requirements that must be met by those who want to be even considered eligible:
- be 65 years or older
- suffer from a serious disability (physical or mental) that lasts at least 12 months or results in death,
- or suffer blindness, defined as central vision of 20/200 or less in the better eye or a visual field of 20 degrees or less
In addition to these medical or age criteria, applicants must meet specific conditions of income, resources, citizenship, and legal residence in the United States. These requirements ensure that the program reaches those who need it most.
They must prove, with verifiable medical documents, the veracity of the medical condition (whether it is a serious illness or the eligible types of blindness), since the applicant’s word alone is not enough.
Overview of requirements for SSI
As for resources, the limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. The main home, a vehicle, personal belongings and life insurance are excluded from the calculation. These thresholds seek to ensure that beneficiaries have real economic needs.
Regarding citizenship and residency, you must be a United States citizen, national or qualified foreigner, and reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia or the Northern Mariana Islands. It is also prohibited to be absent from the United States for more than 30 consecutive days or a full month.
For those under 18, parents’ income and resources are considered in the assessment, a process known as “imputation.” Social Security Disability (SSDI) recipients can receive SSI if their income is low, and they meet the established limits.
Receiving free housing or in-kind help can reduce the SSI amount, applying as a penalty. Additionally, applicants must manage other available benefits, such as pensions, before accessing the program. To apply for SSI, applicants must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) in person at a local office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (with an option in several languages), or online to schedule an appointment. It is not possible to complete the application entirely online.
