Let’s talk about a decision of the Social Security Administration (SSA), which announced the advancement of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment corresponding to February from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2025. This modification in the payment schedule is due to a particularity which happens from time to time, and whose purpose is to avoid delays that could affect the beneficiaries.
The peculiarity in the calendar occurs because the first day of the month, which is normally the date of distribution of SSI benefits, will fall on a weekend. To ensure that beneficiaries receive their payments without delays, the SSA distributes deposits on the previous business day (it does the same with holidays and weekends).
SSI Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies and How Much to Claim?
If you are considering applying, keep in mind that SSI benefits are intended for people with disabilities that affect their ability to earn income. The maximum amount an eligible individual can receive is $967, while a couple can get up to $1,450 and an essential support person up to $484.
Determining payments involves an evaluation based on several factors, including the type of application and the applicant’s eligibility criteria. To be eligible to receive SSI in 2025, applicants must meet certain requirements established by the SSA for everyone equally.
These include being at least 65 years old or a person with qualifying disabilities, which may include blindness. For applicants under age 65, it must be demonstrated that a physical or mental condition significantly limits their ability to work or perform basic daily activities. This limitation must have been present or expected to last at least 12 months or result in the death of the patient.
Additionally, there are resource limits that must be met. By 2025, individual beneficiaries cannot own more than $2,000 in resources, while couples cannot exceed $3,000. However, certain assets are not counted, such as your primary home, a vehicle, and essential personal items. Applicants are also required to reside in the United States and generally be citizens or have a specific legal immigration status.
Can be received SSI and Social Security at the same time?
Beneficiaries may receive both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits. Approximately 2.5 million adults and children receive both types of assistance. Social Security benefits are awarded to workers and their eligible family members based on the worker’s income, while SSI is a needs-based program that provides payments to people with low or no income.
Adults and children who meet SSI income and resource criteria may be eligible to receive both disability, retirement, or survivor benefits. For those under age 65, you are required to be blind or have a qualifying disability, and you must meet SSI income and resource limits. On the other hand, people 65 years of age or older do not have to demonstrate disability to qualify.
How to contact the Social Security Administration?
Applicants who want to learn more about SSI and check their eligibility can visit the SSA website. Additionally, if you have questions about eligibility, you can contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 7:00 p.m. m. To learn the differences between SSI and Social Security, you can also consult the frequently asked questions available on the website.
Keep in mind that people eligible for SSI are generally also eligible for Medicaid, the state-run health program. In contrast, Medicare is the federal health insurance program intended for people age 65 and older, Social Security disability beneficiaries, or those with kidney disease. It is possible to have both programs, Medicaid and Medicare, depending on the beneficiary’s situation.