The US government, through the Social Security Administration (SSA), confirmed something curious: in May 2025, beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive two payments in the same month. Reason? Pure logistics of dates, but we are going to explain it better so that there are no doubts and so that you do not believe that it is a “gift” or some error by the SSA.
First, the basics: SSI typically pays once a month (always on the first day). But if that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deposit is brought forward to the previous Friday. And right in June 2025, the 1st falls on a Sunday. This is where the issue is. June payment will arrive in May! Specifically, on May 30, 2025 (Friday). So in May there will be two deposits: one on May 1, and another on May 30, but this second corresponds to the month of June.
Is SSI sending extra money? Not really, but let’s see more in detail
Ultimately, this is not an extra bonus. It’s just a date change. The June money will arrive sooner, but then you will have to stretch it until the next deposit in July. Advantage? A short-term financial respite; disadvantage? Plan carefully so you don’t miss out on that money prematurely.
This will happen again this year. On August 1, the payment for that month will arrive, but on August 29, the payment corresponding to September will arrive, since the 1st is a holiday: Labor Day is celebrated, a holiday that takes place every year on the first Monday of September.
How much money will arrive in each payment in May 2025?
Here’s some good news: SSI maximum amounts went up a little in 2025 thanks to the cost of living adjustment (COLA, which was 2.5%). The final amounts were as follows:
- SSI payment for an individual beneficiary: maximum of $943 (increase of $24 from the previous year).
- SSI payment for a couple filing jointly: maximum of $1,450 (increase of $35 from the previous year).
Requirements to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you are thinking about applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), here are the main requirements that you must meet to qualify.
- Be 65 years or older, blind, or have a disability:
- Over 65: You do not need to have a disability, but you do need to demonstrate limited income and resources.
- Disability: Must be a physical or mental condition that:
- Prevents you from working “substantially” (earning more than $1,550 a month in approximately 2024).
- Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or may result in death.
- Blindness: Defined as vision of 20/200 or less even with corrective lenses, or visual field limited to 20 degrees or less.
SSI is for low-income people, so wages, tips, or any type of income, in addition to the above requirements, must be insufficient to cover all living expenses. Pensions, subsidies, help from family members, free room or board are counted and may cause a reduction in the SSI benefits allocated to you.
You should have no more than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for couples), which includes money in bank accounts, investments, property additional to the primary home, expensive jewelry, luxury vehicles, etc. Your main home, a daily-use car, appliances, furniture, and up to $1,500 in savings do not represent an obstacle to being considered eligible.