In the month of March, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries were surprised because they did not receive a benefit payment on the 1st, but this was not a mistake but a Social Security Administration (SSA) policy: payments that fall on a weekend or holiday are advanced to the nearest business day.
In the case of March 1, which was a Saturday, the SSI payment was advanced to Friday, February 28. In this way, beneficiaries are not at risk of suffering a delay and, rather, their payments arrive sooner. This way, they can plan their monthly finances more efficiently. In April, the calendar returned to normal because the 1st fell on a Tuesday, and in May, again, the calendar continues its normal course.
The Social Security SSI payment: the next confirmed payments
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers financial assistance to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The amounts are adjusted annually through the COLA, linked to the consumer price index (CPI-W). By 2025, the SSA confirmed a 2.5% increase in benefits, according to official data.
This federal program prioritizes those who do not exceed established income and resource limits. Payments are distributed monthly, with exceptions if the date falls on weekends or holidays.
The next SSI disbursement is scheduled for May 1, 2025, according to the regular payment schedule. According to the Schedule of Social Security Payments, the payment coincides with federal holidays. Recipients can expect deposit into their bank accounts or by mail via paper check.
In exceptional cases, such as technical delays, SSA notifies those affected through its portal or email. To date, no official changes to the schedule have been reported. Updates are posted on ssa.gov or through direct communications.
Maximum SSI amounts: up to $1,450 for those who qualify
Individual beneficiaries will receive up to $967 per month in 2025, while qualified couples will get $1,450 per month. These values reflect the 2.5% increase in the COLA, applied to the 2024 base amounts ($943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples).
These payments can be complemented with Social Security retirement benefits, when these are not enough for the beneficiary alone or with a partner to have a decent life with a minimum of expenses covered.
Do DOGE cuts to Social Security affect SSI?
Although there are no direct changes to SSI payments, operational cuts at SSA pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have generated controversy. Newspaper reports indicate recurring website crashes and telephone delays of up to three hours.
Elon Musk stated in Forbes that the DOGE adjustments will benefit “legitimate recipients,” although without explaining methodologies. Meanwhile, former officials such as the former SSA director, quoted on NPR, question the lack of evidence of massive fraud that justifies the measures.
The SSA put plans to cut phone services on hold after media criticism, according to The Washington Post. However, it restricted changes to banking details over the phone to prevent fraud, forcing users to use online or in-person channels. These measures have complicated procedures for beneficiaries without digital access.
Additionally, staff layoffs and reductions in hours in local offices have increased complaints. Experts consulted by CNBC warn of risks of interruptions in services, although payments remain regular until now.