2025 COLA Increase: New SSI Payment Dates, Eligibility, and Amounts Explained
According to Vibes.okdiario, The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides federal assistance to low-income Americans. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that all eligible beneficiaries will soon benefit from a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, which will be reflected in their monthly direct deposits or checks.
When Will the Increase Take Effect?
The new increase will be effective before the end of 2024. The unique circumstance this year is that SSI recipients will be the only group receiving the 2025 COLA increase in 2024. This is due to January 1 being a federal holiday, prompting the SSA to issue payments on the previous business day, December 31, 2024.
SSI Payment Schedule for 2025 After COLA
For new recipients of the Supplemental Security Income program, payments are generally issued on the first day of the month. However, due to the COLA increase, the payment schedule for 2025 will be as follows:
- January: Payment due on December 31, 2024
- February: Payment due on January 31, 2025
- March: Payment due on February 28, 2025
- April: Payment due on April 1, 2025
- May: Payment due on May 1, 2025
- June: Payment due on May 30, 2025
- July: Payment due on July 1, 2025
- August: Payment due on August 1, 2025
- September: Payment due on August 29, 2025
- October: Payment due on October 1, 2025
- November: Payment due on October 31, 2025
- December: Payment due on December 1, 2025
Also read: $1,158 SNAP Benefits on the Way: When to Check Your EBT Card for Payment
Maximum SSI Payment Amounts After the COLA Increase
Following the 2025 COLA adjustment, SSI benefits will increase as follows:
- Individuals: Up to $967, up from $943.
- Essential persons: Up to $484.
- Eligible married couples: Payments will increase to $1,450, up from $1,415.
For recipients who do not qualify for the maximum amounts due to reductions, an additional $2.50 will be added for every $100 received. For example, if a recipient typically receives $500, their adjusted amount will be $512.50.
Eligibility Requirements for SSI in 2025
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income payments, applicants must meet specific financial criteria. SSI is available to:
- Seniors: Individuals aged 65 or older.
- Individuals with Disabilities: Citizens who are disabled.
- Individuals who are Blind: Citizens meeting the criteria for blindness.
Additionally, applicants must be either a United States citizen or a U.S. national. Certain non-citizens may also qualify if they meet specific requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Residency Requirements
Applicants must reside in one of the 50 states, although individuals living in the Northern Mariana Islands or the District of Columbia can also apply.
Note: Individuals who are absent from these regions for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days cannot qualify for SSI. Moreover, being incarcerated in jail, prison, or any other institution will disqualify applicants from receiving monthly payments.
Other Considerations
It’s important to note that SSI benefits can be compatible with other forms of income, such as retirement or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), provided applicants meet the income and resource limits. To file for SSI, individuals must meet various conditions and grant the SSA permission to access financial records.
This upcoming COLA increase aims to support millions of Americans facing financial difficulties, providing some relief amid rising living costs.
