The direct payment of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the month of March, with a maximum value of $967 for individuals and up to $1,450 for couples, will be sent to millions of beneficiaries in the coming days, more specifically, near the end of February, but it is, in fact, a payment for March.
Why does this anomaly occur on the Social Security Administration (SSA) calendar? The SSI payment for March will be made on February 28, rather than the usual March 1 date, which this year falls on a weekend.
This federal agency does not send payments on holidays or weekends, so it always chooses to advance them to the next business day. This also occurred in February, when the payment was advanced to January 31.
2025 SSI payment amounts increased
The payment amount varies according to a variety of factors, including the beneficiary’s family situation. Individuals who apply alone can receive up to $967 per month, while couples applying together can receive up to $1,450.
Furthermore, individuals who provide essential care to SSI recipients may receive up to $484 per month. These amounts increased by 2.5% with the 2025 cost of living adjustment.
Keep in mind that SSI payments and regular Social Security benefits are two separate programs with completely different operating procedures and allocation of funds to recipients. Receiving one of these benefits does not necessarily imply eligibility for the other.
While Social Security is based on contributions made while working, through so-called “Social Security credits,” SSI is intended to help people with disabilities or limited financial resources.
The Social Security Administration establishes the eligibility requirements for SSI, which include having a disability that severely limits daily activity for an extended period of time or being partially blind. Furthermore, it is necessary to demonstrate a low income and resources.
Eligible conditions for SSI
People with disabilities who make it difficult for them to work or generate sufficient income are generally considered eligible, as are children with disabilities and adults over the age of 65 with limited resources.
In any case, each case is unique, and it is entirely up to SSA officers to decide who receives the money and who does not, using strict criteria.
The SSA provides an online calculator to estimate the amount of payments, as well as the so-called “blue book” that contains all the diseases, illnesses, and conditions that qualify for SSA on its official website www.ssa.gov.
