With the year 2025 in sight, many Americans are exploring their options for maximizing Social Security benefits. With the rising cost of living and the increasing need for financial support, it is essential to know what supplements are available to help those who rely on Social Security. These supplements can provide significant relief to those who are elderly, disabled or have limited income, and can make a difference in the financial stability of beneficiaries.
Social Security supplements are in addition to basic benefits and are designed to help meet the specific needs of beneficiaries. These can vary depending on each person’s individual situation and eligibility. So it is always good to keep in mind the possibility of increasing monthly income other than Social Security.
Social Security Supplements
There are many kinds of benefits that a United States citizen can apply for to supplement their Social Security check. Here are some of those benefits:
- Supplemental Security Income(SSI): a program that provides monthly payments to elderly, blind, or disabled persons with limited income.
- Housing help: Some recipients may qualify for housing subsidies or rental assistance.
- Medicaid benefits: A program that provides health coverage to low-income people, including Social Security beneficiaries.
- Food benefits (SNAP): Programs that provide food assistance to people with limited incomes, which may include Social Security recipients.
- Utility rate discounts: Some states offer discounts to Social Security beneficiaries to help reduce the cost of essential services such as electricity and water.
- Energy assistance programs: Help with heating and cooling costs during the winter and summer, respectively.
Check out each and every one of these Social Security supplements and see if you are eligible for them.
Maximum Social Security Check in 2024
The amount of the Social Security check varies depending on the beneficiary’s category and other factors, such as earnings history and when benefits are claimed. In 2024, the maximum Social Security check is expected to increase, which could benefit millions of Americans. It is important to understand the different categories and the maximum amounts associated with each.
Although in 2025 we will have the COLA, which will increase Social Security checks, for now these are the maximum checks:
- Retirement: For those who have reached full retirement age, the maximum check can go up to $3,822 per month.
- Disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries can get a maximum amount of approximately $3,822, similar to retirees.
- Survivors: Beneficiaries receiving survivor benefits can get up to $3,822 per month, depending on the deceased’s earnings history.
- Spousal benefits: Spouses receiving benefits based on the spouse’s work can get up to 50% of the spouse’s total benefit, which varies depending on the situation.
- Child Benefits: Dependent children of workers who get benefits may qualify for a maximum amount of up to 50% of the worker’s benefit.
With these add-ons and adjustments to the Social Security check, it is critical that beneficiaries stay informed about their options and entitlements. 2025 promises to be a year of significant change for Americans who rely on Social Security, and making the most of these resources can make a difference in their financial well-being.
The maximum check in total is $4,873, but that Social Security payment is not affordable for everyone. Still, to our payment for this year 2024 we must add the 2025 COLA.