The direct payment corresponding to the month of March of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with a maximum value of $967 for individuals and up to $1,450 for couples, will be sent to millions of beneficiaries in the coming days, more specifically, towards the end of the month of February but it is, in reality, a payment corresponding to the month of March.
Why does this peculiarity occur in the Social Security Administration (SSA) calendar? Well, the SSI payment for March will be made on February 28, ahead of the usual date of March 1, which this year falls on a weekend. This federal agency does not send payments on holidays or weekends, and that is why it always decides to advance it to the nearest business day. That also happened in the month of February, whose payment was advanced to January 31.
2025 SSI payment amounts increased
The amount of the payment varies depending on various factors, such as the beneficiary’s family situation. Individuals who apply individually can receive up to $967 per month, while couples who apply jointly can receive up to $1,450. Additionally, people who provide essential care to SSI recipients can receive up to $484 per month. These amounts increased 2.5% with the cost of living adjustment for 2025.
Keep in mind that SSI payments and regular Social Security benefits are separate programs and their ways of operating and allocating funds to recipients are completely different. Receiving one of these benefits does not guarantee eligibility for the other.
While Social Security is linked to contributions made during working life, through so-called “Social Security credits,” SSI is designed to support people with disabilities or limited financial resources. The requirements to access SSI are established by the SSA and include having a disability that severely limits daily activity for an extended period or being partially blind. Additionally, it is necessary to demonstrate limited income and resources.
Eligible conditions for SSI
In general, the type of people who are considered eligible are: people with disabilities that make it difficult for them to work or generate sufficient income, as well as children with disabilities and adults over 65 years of age with limited resources. In any case, each case is particular and unique and it is entirely up to SSA officers, based on strict criteria, to decide who receives the money and who does not.
The SSA makes available an online calculator to estimate the amount of payments, and you can also find it on its official website www.ssa.gov the so-called “blue book” that contains all the diseases, illnesses, and conditions that qualify for SSA.
