Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a critical programme for millions of Americans who face financial hardship due to age, disability or blindness. This programme, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides monthly payments to individuals and couples who qualify. In 2025, the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increase brings significant changes to the maximum SSI amounts, which means financial relief for many recipients.
These changes can raise many questions about who qualifies, how the payments are calculated, and what the actual impact is on beneficiaries’ incomes. It is important to know everything about our new SSI payment so that we can budget perfectly for the coming years.
Maximum SSI amounts in 2025
Beginning in January 2025, the 2.5% COLA adjustment will increase monthly SSI payments. This means that individuals who qualify for individual SSI will get a monthly check of up to $967, while qualifying couples will be able to get a maximum of $1,450. These amounts represent an increase from 2024, when the maximum payments were $943 and $1,415 respectively.
Importantly, the COLA is calculated annually to adjust beneficiaries’ payments for inflation, ensuring that the purchasing power of payments is maintained over time. This adjustment is essential to help people who depend on SSI cope with increases in the cost of living, especially in areas such as housing, food and health care.
Eligibility and factors affecting the SSI amount
Not everyone will get the maximum SSI amount in 2025. Payments vary depending on a number of factors, such as the recipient’s income, where they live, and whether they live alone or with others. The SSA considers these elements in determining the exact monthly check, so it is important to understand how they can affect the amount you get.
To be eligible for SSI, a person must meet certain financial requirements. The programme is specifically designed for those with limited income, and therefore any additional sources of income could reduce the monthly benefit amount. In addition, some states supplement federal SSI payments with additional amounts, which means that residents of certain states may get more than the established federal maximums.
So, we have to pay attention to:
- Age 65 years or older. We can also have SSI with a disability.
- Have low resources, as well as low monthly income.
Another important aspect to consider is that SSI payments are intended to cover basic needs, such as housing and food. For this reason, recipients must be sure to comply with the programme’s regulations so that they do not lose benefits due to unreported income or other factors that may affect their eligibility.
Can I combine SSI benefits with retirement?
Yes, it is possible to get both Social Security retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, but there are some important considerations. SSI is designed for people with limited income, so retirement payments could affect the amount you get from this program. The Social Security Administration reviews an applicant’s total income, including retirement benefits, to determine if you still qualify for SSI.
One of the key factors to keep in mind is that SSI is a means-tested programme. This means that if your monthly retirement income exceeds certain limits, you could see your SSI payments reduced or even lose eligibility to get them. Despite this, it is still possible to get a portion of SSI if your total income, including retirement benefits, remains low enough.
It is essential to check with the Social Security Administration before applying for both benefits to get an accurate assessment of how your payments will be affected. When getting a combination of SSI and retirement, it is important to keep detailed records of your earnings to avoid problems with eligibility and to ensure that you are complying with programme regulations.