United States residents who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are bracing for a couple of important changes that will take effect in January 2025. SSI is a financial help intended for people with limited income and who face disabilities or are over the age of 65. These changes, which will be implemented beginning the first month of 2025, affect both the amount of payments and the dates on which they will be made.
One of the main changes has to do with the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment), which will adjust SSI payments in line with inflation in 2025. This adjustment is critical, as it ensures that beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power in the face of price increases. In addition, because January 1 falls on a holiday, SSI payments will be brought forward so that beneficiaries will not experience delays.
2 SSI changes for January 2025
The first of the changes announced is that SSI payments for January 2025 will include the 2025 COLA, which means recipients will see an increase in the amount of their monthly payment. This adjustment is made annually to compensate for increases in the cost of living, especially in areas such as food and housing. The exact percentage of the 2025 COLA has not yet been determined, but it is expected to be significant due to the high inflation that has characterized recent years.
The second major change is that, because January 1, 2025 is a holiday, SSI payments will be sent early to ensure that recipients get their money without delay. Normally, SSI payments are distributed at the beginning of each month, but this year they will be moved up to prevent recipients from having to wait until after the holiday weekend.
The two changes to be implemented in January 2025 are as follows:
- 2025 COLA: The January SSI payment will include an adjustment for the 2025 cost-of-living increase (COLA).
- Advance payment: Because January 1 is a holiday, the SSI payment will be advanced to ensure that recipients get it on time.
Therefore, if you have Direct Deposit activated you will be able to get the SSI payment within the month of December 2024. If not, you will have to wait a few more days. Either way, the payment will have the COLA included and you will get it without any problems.
Can I combine SSI with SNAP and other benefits?
A common question among SSI recipients is whether they can get other benefits in addition to this payment, such as SNAP (the nutrition assistance program) or other welfare help programs. The good news is that, in many cases, it is possible to combine SSI with other assistance programs, although there are certain restrictions and requirements to be aware of.
SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income households buy food. To be eligible for SNAP, SSI recipients must meet certain income and resource requirements, which vary by state. If you are eligible for SSI, you may also qualify for SNAP, as long as your income level does not exceed established limits.
In addition to SNAP, some people who get SSI may also qualify for other assistance programs, such as Medicaid or the Energy Assistance Program, depending on their financial situation and their state’s policies.
It is important to note that, although SSI is not directly affected by other benefits such as SNAP, certain additional income may influence the amount you get from SSI. For example, if your income from work or other assistance programs exceeds the allowable threshold, your SSI amount may be reduced. It is critical to check income and resource limits with the appropriate agencies to make sure that you will not exceed amounts that could affect your eligibility.
Therefore, if you get SSI and are interested in combining it with other benefits such as SNAP, it is advisable to find out the eligibility rules and requirements for each program so that you can take full advantage of the help available without compromising your SSI.
