New SSI payment amount of $967 in 2025: Know all the details
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an important government program that provides financial assistance to people with low income and limited resources. It is especially helpful for people who are elderly (65 years or older), blind or disabled and whose monthly income is very low.
In 2025, SSI beneficiaries will get an increase in their monthly payment due to inflation. This is called the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which aims to adjust SSI payments in line with rising inflation so that beneficiaries’ purchasing power is maintained.
- This amount was $943 in 2024, which has increased to $967 in 2025. In this article, we will understand the eligibility of SSI payment, new payment structure, important payment dates and application process in detail.
Understand SSI payments and the COLA increase in 2025
If you are receiving SSI or want to apply for the first time, it is important to understand how much assistance you will receive and whether or not you are eligible. It is also important to know what your income and asset limits should be and when and how you will receive payments.
If you need any kind of assistance, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides various resources for you to understand the entire process easily.
What is SSI and how does it work?
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal government program that helps people who have limited income and assets.
- It is different from Social Security because Social Security payments are based on your work history and tax payments, while SSI is for people who are financially needy.
- Due to the COLA increase in 2025, SSI payments will now be $967 per month. This increase will help people keep up with rising inflation.
Effect of COLA increase on SSI payments
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is an annual adjustment that ensures that SSI and other Social Security benefits increase in line with the inflation rate.
- In 2025, COLA has increased by 2.5%, so individuals receiving SSI will now receive $967 per month.
- This increase is necessary because the cost of food, rent, medical services, and other essentials is constantly rising.
- For people who have limited income, this increase is extremely important because it will not affect their purchasing power.
If the COLA adjustment was not made, SSI payments would gradually lose their effectiveness, and beneficiaries could be unable to meet their basic needs.
Eligibility rules for $967 SSI payments
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 2025 SSI Monthly Payment | $967 (up from $943 in 2024) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Low-income individuals aged 65+, blind, or disabled |
| Income Limits | $1,971 for individuals in 2025 |
| Resource Limits | $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples |
| First Payment Date (2025) | December 31, 2024 (due to the New Year’s holiday) |
| Where to Apply | SSA Official Website |
If you want to receive this increased amount ($967), it is important to check to see if you are eligible.
1. Age or Disability
Age-based eligibility:
If you are 65 years of age or older, you may be eligible for SSI.
Disability-based eligibility:
If you are younger than 65, you must have blindness or a disability to be eligible for SSI.
Disability as per SSA definition:
- Your illness or disability prevents you from performing any gainful work.
- Your condition must last for at least one year or result in death.
Example:
If a 60-year-old cannot work because of a severe vision impairment, he or she may be eligible for SSI benefits.
2. Income and Resource Limits
SSI is available only to people whose income and assets are within a certain limit.
Income limits in 2025:
- For individuals: $1,971 per month
- For couples: $2,961 per month
Asset limits in 2025:
- For individuals: $2,000
- For couples: $3,000
Example:
If a person has a $1,500 bank balance and $500 monthly rental income, he may still be eligible for SSI, as his total income is within the $1,971 limit.
3. Citizenship and Residency
- You must be a US citizen or a Qualified Non-Citizen.
- You must live in one of the 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands.
- If you live outside the U.S., you usually won’t get SSI.
Example:
If a person is a U.S. citizen but lives in Canada, he or she will not get SSI until he or she returns to the U.S.
Important Payment Dates for 2025
SSI payments are made on the first of every month. But if this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made on the preceding business day.
Some of the key payment dates for 2025:
- January payment: December 31, 2024 (as January 1 is a holiday)
- February payment: February 3, 2025 (as the 1st is a weekend)
- March payment: March 3, 2025
You can visit the SSA’s official website for your exact payment dates.
How to apply for a $967 SSI payment?
If you are eligible for SSI, you should apply as soon as possible.
1. Gather the required documents:
- Birth certificate (to prove age)
- Social Security number
- Medical records (if applying on disability grounds)
- Proof of income and assets (bank statements, payroll stubs, etc.)
2. How to apply?
- Apply online at the SSA website.
- Apply by phone: 1-800-772-1213
FAQs:
How long does it take to become approved for SSI?
Application time may run into months according to your health and financial position. Once eligible, you are going to be paid from that date.
Is my SSI payment going to change every year?
Yes. Your SSI is adjusted by COLA. The adjustment varies each year. This is with respect to keeping the pace with inflation.
Am I necessarily a U.S. citizen in order to obtain SSI?
Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen and live in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or Northern Mariana Islands.