Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, those over the age of 65, and children with special needs. Send money to qualifying recipients once a month to cover basic expenses like food, rent, medications, and other necessities.
When regular income is insufficient, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages eligible American citizens and legal residents to apply for Supplemental Security Income. The best thing about this programme is that it is based on needs rather than tax contributions, which means you do not need to have worked to be eligible.
Every month a payment: the next one will have an important change
Every month, SSI is paid on the first of the month; however, when the weekend falls, the SSA moves the sending of funds to beneficiaries to the next business day, which is usually Friday.
For example, if March 1st is a Saturday, you will receive it on February 28th. This way, you won’t be left without liquidity over the weekend. Well, that is exactly what will happen with the March payment.
This particularity also affected the February 2025 payment, and as a result, no payments will be sent in March. The next round of deposits will take place on Tuesday, April 1, and everything else will continue as usual until then.
However, two payments will be reported in May: one on Thursday, May 1, and another on May 30 (no payments will be made in June).
Extra cash: this is what you could receive
This year’s SSI payments increased by 2.5% due to the COLA (cost of living adjustment). It’s not a trip to Disney, but every dollar counts when you live paycheck to paycheck. Check these numbers:
- As a single individual: $976 a month.
- As a couple (and processing together): $1,450.
- Need help with basic tasks: $484 extra.
What if inflation continues to rise? They could increase a little more. Keep an eye on the news, because the SSA is glued to the CPI-W index as an influencer on your phone.
Careful! This way you could lose SSI (and no one tells you)
SSI is for low income, but there are traps that take you out of the game:
- You suddenly get a better income (lottery, inheritance, salary increase).
- You married someone who earns well
- You moved to a state with weird rules.
- Your health improved (yes, even that counts).
- You forgot to report changes (part-time work, scholarships, etc.).
Can you collect Social Security and SSI together?
Clear! But there are some buts. If your retirement income is insufficient, SSI can serve as a supplement. Of course, if your total income exceeds the SSI limit, your benefits are reduced or eliminated. Oh, and they look at more than just your salary; they also consider your savings, properties, and so on. Doubts? Contact the SSA. It’s better to be safe than cry over a lost check.
