Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed to provide monthly payments to low-income Americans who are elderly, blind, or have disabilities.
Unlike Social Security, SSI is funded by the federal government, not through Social Security’s trust funds.
With updated payment schedules and a new maximum benefit amount starting in December 2024, here’s everything you need to know about upcoming SSI payments, who qualifies, and what amounts are available.
Payment Amounts Based on Eligibility
The amount an SSI recipient receives each month varies depending on their specific eligibility category. Here’s a breakdown of the different payment amounts:
| Eligibility Category | Monthly Payment (Current) | Monthly Payment (After 2025 COLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Person | Up to $472 | Up to $484 |
| Individual (low income, disabled, blind, or 65+) | Up to $943 | Up to $967 |
| Eligible Married Couple | Up to $1,415 | Up to $1,450 |
These amounts are subject to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in January 2025, which will provide a slight increase to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation. The maximum payment will depend on the individual’s qualifications, such as marital status and specific needs.
Understanding the Eligibility Categories
- Essential Person: This category is for those providing vital support to a qualified SSI recipient, such as a caregiver. They can receive up to $472 per month.
- Individual: Low-income individuals aged 65 or older, or those who are blind or have a qualifying disability, can receive up to $943. This amount will increase with the 2025 COLA adjustment to $967.
- Married Couples: Eligible couples can receive a maximum of $1,415, which will rise to $1,450 after the 2025 adjustment.
December 2024 SSI Payment Schedule
SSI payments for December 2024 will follow a slightly adjusted schedule due to upcoming federal holidays. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue December payments earlier than usual to ensure recipients get their funds on time.
- November 29, 2024: This is the payment date for December SSI benefits. Since SSI benefits are normally distributed on the first of each month, the December payment will arrive on November 29 instead, due to the proximity of December 1 to the weekend.
- December 31, 2024: SSA will issue January 2025’s SSI payment on December 31 to avoid delays from the New Year’s Day holiday, a federal holiday. This early payment will also include the new COLA increase, allowing beneficiaries to receive their adjusted benefits sooner.
Why Are Payments Issued Early?
The SSA reschedules payments when the regular payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend. This ensures beneficiaries have reliable access to their funds.
Since January 1, 2025, falls on a holiday, the SSA will release the January payment two days early on December 31. As a result, beneficiaries will receive two payments within December: one on November 29 for December and one on December 31 for January.
Preparing for the COLA Increase
The COLA increase for 2025 will impact SSI payments starting from the January 2025 check, distributed on December 31, 2024. Here’s how the maximum monthly benefits will change:
- Essential Person: $484 (up from $472)
- Individual: $967 (up from $943)
- Married Couple: $1,450 (up from $1,415)
The COLA adjustments provide modest increases to help recipients cope with inflation, and SSI beneficiaries will see these changes reflected in their December 31 payment.
If you receive SSI, mark your calendar for these early payments in December, and get ready for the 2025 COLA increase in the upcoming payment cycle. With two payments scheduled within December, SSI beneficiaries will have a seamless transition into the new year, with adjusted benefits to support their needs.
