A major financial update is arriving for millions of low-income Americans in May 2025: a $963 monthly payment through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. If you or someone you care for is elderly, blind, or living with a qualifying disability, this guide explains everything you need to know—who’s eligible, how much you’ll receive, and how to apply for or manage your benefits.
Overview
The new maximum SSI payment for individuals is $963 per month in 2025. Couples can receive up to $1,450. These changes reflect the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Amount | Up to $963 (individual), $1,450 (couple) |
| Payment Date | May 1, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| Eligibility | Age 65+, blind, or disabled with low income/resources |
| Resource Limits | $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or Direct Express card |
| Application | Via SSA.gov, phone, or SSA office |
| Administered By | Social Security Administration |
This benefit is a critical source of income for those who qualify and helps cover essentials like rent, groceries, and medications.
Program
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different from traditional Social Security. It doesn’t depend on your work history or how much you’ve paid into the system. Instead, it’s a needs-based program funded by general tax revenues.
SSI provides monthly payments to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. You can receive it even if you’ve never worked a day in your life.
Why $963?
The $963 monthly figure reflects the annual COLA applied by the SSA. This adjustment responds to inflation, which has affected everything from food to housing to healthcare.
The SSA reviews inflation each year and adjusts the payment accordingly. For couples, the maximum monthly payment in 2025 is $1,450. Keep in mind, these are maximum amounts—your actual payment may be reduced if you have other income or receive help with housing.
Eligibility
You must meet several key requirements to qualify for SSI:
Age or Disability
You must be:
- Age 65 or older, OR
- Blind, OR
- Have a qualifying disability expected to last at least one year or result in death
Income Limits
The SSA counts income from:
- Wages
- Social Security retirement or SSDI
- Pension payments
- Free food or housing from others
Not all income is counted. For example, the first $20 per month of most income is excluded.
Asset Limits
To qualify, your countable assets must be:
- Less than $2,000 for individuals
- Less than $3,000 for couples
Assets that don’t count include:
- Your primary residence
- One vehicle
- Household items
- Burial plots
- Some life insurance policies
Citizenship
Applicants must live in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands and either be U.S. citizens or meet specific non-citizen requirements.
How to Apply
Prepare these items:
- Birth certificate or ID
- Income records (e.g., pay stubs)
- Medical history (if applying due to disability)
- Bank account statements
Submit an Application
You can apply:
- Online at ssa.gov/ssi
- By phone: 1-800-772-1213
- In person at a local SSA office
Note: Online applications are limited to people aged 65+ without disability. Others need to apply by phone or in person.
Attend Interviews or Exams
SSA may ask for:
- A phone or in-person interview
- A consultative medical exam (to confirm disability)
Wait for a Decision
The SSA typically takes 3–6 months to decide. You’ll receive a letter confirming approval or denial and the payment amount.
Payment Method
Payments are sent on the first of every month. For May 2025, that’s Tuesday, May 1.
Ways to receive your payment:
- Direct deposit to your bank or credit union
- Direct Express debit card (for those without a bank account)
If your payment is delayed or missing, contact SSA immediately.
Tips
Maximizing your SSI benefits requires ongoing attention:
- Report any change in income, address, or living situation within 10 days
- Save all documents—bank statements, SSA letters, income proof
- Use the SSA’s Benefit Calculator to estimate your payment
- Consider speaking to a disability advocate if denied
SSI is a vital benefit—and claiming it successfully can help you or your loved one live with more financial stability.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $963 SSI deposit?
People aged 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income and assets.
When will the payment arrive?
The next deposit is scheduled for May 1, 2025.
Is work history required for SSI?
No, SSI is not based on work history or Social Security taxes.
Can couples receive more?
Yes, eligible couples can receive up to $1,450 per month.
How do I apply for SSI?
Online at SSA.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
