As a recipient of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program in the United States, I have noticed that I did not receive a payment in March 2025. This is because, when the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) advances the payment to the last business day of the previous month. For example, the payment for March 2025 was made on February 28, since March 1 was a Saturday. Therefore, the next payment is scheduled for April 1, 2025, which is Tuesday.
If you’re here, you’re probably part of the SSI program or know someone who is. Today we are going to talk about something important: those days when the deposit does not arrive when we expect, the changes in the amounts for 2025, and how not to get lost in the labyrinth of requirements.
“Where’s my March payment? Don’t scare me!”
It may be that you opened your account in early March 2025 expecting to see the SSI deposit, but… nothing. Calm! It’s not a mistake, not a cut, not an alien stealing your money. As we said before (and now explain better) when the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays earlier. In this case, since March 1st was a Saturday, the deposit arrived on February 28th. And the next one? It will be back to normal on April 1 (and no, it’s not an April Fools’ joke).
Mark the “tricky” dates on your calendar: For example, if July 1st falls on a Sunday, your payment will arrive on Friday, June 27th. Plan those months in advance, so that you do not have problems or imbalances with your budget at home.
The maximum amounts to expect from SSI in 2025
For the year 2025, the SSA has established that the maximum federal monthly SSI program amount is $967 for an eligible individual, but for a couple it is $1,450, as long as they are applying for benefits jointly. These amounts reflect an increase of 2.5% compared to the previous year, adjusting for the cost of living.
This cost of living adjustment is called “COLA”, and is applied every year with the idea that beneficiaries do not lose purchasing power due to price increases of products and services.
“Do I qualify for SSI benefits?” This is the list of requirements
Let’s get straight to the point. To start, you need to meet four basic things in 2025: first, be 65 years old or older, or be a blind or disabled person (regardless of your age). Second, your income must be low, which includes not only salaries or pensions, but even that ticket your aunt gives you on your birthday (yes, although it may sound annoying, you have to report it).
Third, your material resources cannot exceed $2,000 for singles, and $3,000 for couples. Things like cash, bank accounts, or a second property come in here, but your main home, your daily use car, or, curiously, grave goods don’t count (the SSA has its quirks).
Lastly, you must be a US citizen, national, or a non-citizen with specific status, and live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C. or the Northern Mariana Islands (sorry, residents of Puerto Rico or Guam, their rules are different).
