I guess you saw that In March 2025 there will be no Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. “How not?” you say. Don’t worry, it’s not a cut or anything strange. It turns out that March 1st falls on a Saturday, so the deposit is brought forward… to February 28th! Basically, you get paid March in February. Confused? We explain it to you without technicalities.
The thing is simple: when day 1 is a weekend, the SSA moves the payment to the previous Friday. In this case, February 28 will be your “early March.” So don’t look for the money in March, because you will already have it since February. Just don’t spend everything at once, right? Plan well.
How much can they deposit you in 2025?
What matters here is your situation:
- If you are alone: The maximum is $967 per month… but only if you have no other income or savings that would lower the amount.
- As a couple (and both receive SSI): Together they could reach $1,450, although if one earns something, they are cut.
- With an essential person: The amount goes up quite a bit there. If someone lives with you and cares for you (meeting 1973 requirements), the maximum would be $1,934. Sounds good, right?
But keep in mind that your “essential person’s” income also counts. If she earns money or has property, they can reduce your payment. It’s a combo: it goes up for having help, but it goes down if your caregiver has resources. There’s the detail.
The “essential person” trick (and its entanglements)
Imagine that your brother lives with you and helps you bathe, cook, or take medicine. If he meets the requirements (he’s been like this for years and doesn’t get paid to take care of you), the SSA considers him “essential.” Bingo! Your payment could double up to $1,934. But (there is always a but):
- If your brother earns $1,500 a month, part of your SSI will be deducted.
- If you have savings of more than $2,000 (limit for SSI), it also affects your amount.
- Even if he receives state aid, that adds to the calculation.
What if I have other income?
Here’s the ugly part: for every dollar you earn (aside from SSI), your payment is reduced. Example: If you work part-time and earn $300, your SSI will drop from $967 to $667. It’s worth it? Depends. But if it’s your only entry, it’s better not to risk it.
Disability expenses (wheelchairs, uncovered medications, etc.) can be subtracted from your income. If you spend $200 on insulin, the SSA will only count what you have left over. This trick could be beneficial when trying to get as much money as possible.
What happens if I go over the limit? If you have $2,001 in the bank, you technically don’t qualify for SSI that month. That’s why many spend quickly on necessities before the SSA reviews. But be careful! Making strange movements can raise suspicion.
