Good news for millions of Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)! The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025. This increase will help SSI beneficiaries keep up with rising expenses, ensuring they have a little more financial security in the new year.
How Much Will SSI Pay in 2025?
Starting in January 2025, the new federal SSI payment amounts will be:
- Individuals: $967 per month
- Couples (both eligible): $1,450 per month
- Essential persons (those who provide necessary care): $484 per month
These increases are designed to help SSI recipients maintain their quality of life as the cost of living continues to rise. If you currently receive SSI, you’ll see this adjustment in your January payment.
Who Qualifies for SSI in 2025?
SSI provides financial assistance to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. To qualify, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be 65 or older, or be blind or disabled
- Have limited income (wages, pensions, Social Security, etc.)
- Have limited resources (cash, bank accounts, property, etc.)
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet certain non-citizen eligibility rules
Even if you’re not sure if you qualify, it’s worth checking with the SSA to see if you can receive benefits.
How Income Affects Your SSI Payment
Your SSI payment may be reduced depending on other income you receive. The SSA subtracts your “countable income” from the maximum benefit amount to determine your monthly payment.
Some states also offer additional SSI payments, so depending on where you live, you may receive more than the federal amount. Check with your state’s benefits office to see if you qualify for extra financial help.
More Important Changes for 2025
Along with the increased SSI payments, the SSA has made updates to other financial thresholds:
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you work while receiving disability benefits, the monthly income limit is now $1,620 (or $2,700 for blind individuals).
- Trial Work Period (TWP): If you’re testing your ability to work, you can earn up to $1,160 per month without it affecting your benefits.
- Student Earned-Income Exclusion (SEIE): If you’re a student under age 22, you can exclude up to $2,350 per month (or $9,460 per year) from your income.
These changes are meant to help people receiving SSI explore work opportunities without immediately losing their benefits.
How to Find Out Your New SSI Benefit Amount
If you currently receive SSI, you’ll get a notification in December showing your new benefit amount. You can also check your updated payment online by logging into your my Social Security account on the SSA website.
With these benefit increases, 2025 is shaping up to be a little easier financially for millions of SSI recipients. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or want to apply, visit www.ssa.gov or contact your local Social Security office for assistance.
