2025 SSI Benefits Update: How Much Can You Receive Each Month?

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled.

Each year, the maximum SSI payment is adjusted based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to help recipients keep up with inflation.

For 2025, SSI payments will see a 2.5% increase, which took effect in January.
 

How Much Will SSI Pay in 2025?

With the COLA increase applied, the new maximum monthly SSI benefits for 2025 are:

• $967 for an eligible individual

• $1,450 for an eligible couple

• $484 for an essential person (someone who provides care and support to an SSI recipient)

However, not all recipients will receive the maximum amount.

An individual's benefit depends on several factors, including income, household composition, and financial support from other sources.


Here’s how your individual Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit is calculated for 2025, step by step:

Step 1: Start with the 2025 Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)

This is the maximum amount you can receive if you have no countable income:

• Individual: $967/month

• Couple: $1,450/month

• Essential person: $484/month

Step 2: Subtract Your Countable Income

The SSA reduces your benefit based on countable income, which includes earned and unearned income. Here’s how they count it:

Earned Income (e.g., wages or self-employment):

• First $65/month is not counted

• Then divide the rest by 2 to find the countable portion
  Example:
  If you earn $465/month:

• $465 − $65 = $400

• $400 ÷ 2 = $200 countable income

Unearned Income (e.g., SSDI, unemployment, VA benefits, etc.):

• First $20/month is not counted

• Everything above that is fully countable
  Example:
  If you receive $250 in SSDI:

• $250 − $20 = $230 countable income

Step 3: Apply the Formula

Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
− Countable Income
= Your Monthly SSI Payment

Example:
Let’s say you’re an individual with:

• $465/month earned income

• $250/month unearned income

Countable Earned Income:

• $465 − $65 = $400 → $400 ÷ 2 = $200

Countable Unearned Income:

• $250 − $20 = $230

Total Countable Income: $200 + $230 = $430
SSI Payment: $967 − $430 = $537/month

Want to estimate your benefit? Use SSA’s estimator tool here.

Factors That May Reduce Your SSI Payment

SSI payments are influenced by various sources of income, categorized into four main types:

1. Earned Income – This includes wages from employment or self-employment. For every $2 earned, the SSI payment is typically reduced by $1.

2. Unearned Income – Includes other benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), unemployment benefits, and pensions. Every $1 received in unearned income reduces SSI payments by $1.

3. Household Income – If an SSI recipient lives with a working spouse, their earnings may affect the total SSI benefit amount.

4. In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) – If a recipient receives free housing, food, or other essential support from family or friends, their SSI benefits may be reduced.

Why do COLA Adjustments Matter?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies COLA increases annually to help SSI beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power despite inflation.

This ensures that vulnerable populations can afford basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare.

How to Check Your SSI Benefits?

To find out how much SSI you qualify for in 2025, you can:

• Visit the Social Security Administration website

• Log into your My Social Security account

• Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778)

Conclusion

If you or a loved one rely on SSI benefits, it’s crucial to stay informed about annual adjustments and factors that may impact your monthly payments.

The 2.5% increase for 2025 aims to help recipients keep up with rising costs, ensuring continued financial stability for those in need.

-

Don't miss out on general benefits information!

Subscribe for the latest updates, expert advice, and valuable tips to help you maximize your benefits and financial well-being.

Stay informed—sign up now!