Did you miss the bank notification and see the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) deposit at the end of February? You probably thought: “Did I win the lottery or what?” Well no, friend. It turns out that Social Security moved the payments for February and March 2025 to avoid weekends and holidays.
Instead of waiting for March 1, the money hit you on February 28. And be careful, this already happened in January: the payment for February 1 (which fell on a Saturday) arrived on January 31. Because? Because the SSA gets hives about being late. If the original date is not a business day, you are paid the last Friday (or business day) before. Simple.
The maximum SSI benefits you can get in February 2025 increased
They adjusted the amounts with the COLA (cost of living adjustment), which this year was 2.5%. It’s not that you’re going to get rich, but it’s something. See the updated numbers:
- $976 if you are single and apply alone.
- $1,450 if you are part of a couple who applied together (teamwork, see?).
- $484 extra if you have someone to help you with basic things like bathing or cooking (those angels of daily life).
Be careful: these numbers could rise a little more if inflation continues playing tug of war. So stay tuned for new adjustments.
Normal Social Security payments: another story
Here things change. In March 2025, deposits are spread over three Wednesdays. How do you know which one you get? Easy:
- Second Wednesday of the month: if your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th.
- Third Wednesday of the month: if you were born between the 11th and the 20th.
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: for those who are from the 21st to the 31st.
But this only applies if you receive retirement or survivor benefits. If you are on SSI or other programs, your calendar is different: SSI always falls on the first day of the month (or the business day before if it falls on a weekend). And the regular pension is paid on the third day of each month. Ah! And if your date is a holiday, they pay you the Friday before. The SSA isn’t going to notify you on Instagram, so write down the dates on your kitchen calendar.
Tips so that it doesn’t catch you off guard:
Check your bank account at the end of the month, don’t assume it will always arrive on the same day. Activate notifications from your bank. Overall, what do you lose? Also, we encourage you to use budget apps that alert you when money comes in. No scares like “What about my money?!”.
And well, after the advance payment on February 28, the next ones will fall on April 1 (I hope this is not a joke) and May 1. Write them down.
And why would anyone lose SSI? Yes, it’s possible
Here comes the serious (but without drama). SSI is for people with low income or resources, but there are traps that can take you out of the game:
You did too well (financially speaking): If you suddenly get a raise, win the lottery, or your aunt leaves you an unexpected inheritance, you could go over the income limit allowed by the program. Be careful: even large gifts count. The limits vary depending on your state and family situation, so do your research. It’s not going to be that by accepting that all-paid trip from your cousin, you’ll be left without help.
You changed your role in life: For instance, you got married and if your better half has good money, their income is now added to yours to calculate your eligibility.
You moved to another state: Some places have specific residency requirements. If you go somewhere that doesn’t comply, goodbye SSI. If your health improved, you might be no longer eligible to the disability that made you eligible, they remove you from the program.
Furthermore, not reporting changes is the classic mistake. If you do not notify the SSA that you now have a part-time job, that you won a scholarship or that you moved in with a roommate who pays half of the rent, they can take away your benefit for “omitting information.” Better be transparent: a timely call or email avoids headaches later.
