Good news is on the way for millions who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), monthly payments will increase in 2025—and the first adjusted deposit is arriving early, on May 31, 2025. If you rely on SSI or help someone who does, knowing what this boost means and how to prepare is key.
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Summary
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.5% COLA increase for 2025, raising the maximum monthly SSI payment from $943 to $967 for individuals, and from $1,415 to $1,450 for couples. This increase helps SSI beneficiaries better cope with inflation and higher everyday costs.
| Category | 2024 Amount | 2025 COLA-Adjusted Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals | $943 | $967 |
| Couples | $1,415 | $1,450 |
| Essential Persons | $472 | $484 |
You’ll see your first raised payment on May 31, 2025—earlier than usual because of how the calendar lines up with the federal holiday.
What Is COLA
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment ensures that Social Security and SSI benefits keep pace with inflation. Prices for food, housing, healthcare, and utilities rise over time, and COLA helps offset these increases. For 2025, the 2.5% adjustment gives beneficiaries a little more room in their budgets when it matters most.
Let’s say you were receiving $943 monthly in 2024. With the 2.5% boost, your new payment in 2025 will be $967—a difference of about $24 per month, or $288 more over the course of the year.
Who Qualifies?
To receive the higher payment, you must already meet the general SSI eligibility guidelines. Here’s a quick recap:
1. Residency
You must live in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands. Most beneficiaries living abroad are not eligible.
2. Income
SSI is a needs-based program. If your income exceeds federal thresholds, you may not qualify—or your payment may be reduced. For 2025, those thresholds are tied directly to the new payment standards.
3. Resources
Countable assets must stay under:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
Assets like your home, primary car, burial funds, and basic personal items typically don’t count.
4. Citizenship
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or meet strict non-citizen eligibility criteria (like lawful permanent residents with qualifying work history).
If you’re not sure where you stand, log in to your My Social Security account or call the SSA.
Get the Raised Payment
The first COLA-adjusted payment for 2025 will arrive on May 31, 2025, even though it’s for January. That’s because the regular January 1 payment date falls on a holiday. SSA moves the payment up so you still get your funds on time.
If you use direct deposit, expect to see the money in your bank account that day. If you receive a paper check, allow for mail delays and consider switching to electronic payment for faster access.
How Much Will You Receive?
Not everyone gets the maximum amount. The exact payment depends on your income, living situation, and whether you receive support from others.
| Recipient Type | Max Monthly Benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| Individual | $967 |
| Married Couple | $1,450 |
| Essential Person | $484 |
Some states also offer state-level SSI supplements, which vary by location and living arrangement. To find out if your state provides additional funds, check with your local SSA office.
How to Prepare
Getting more money each month is helpful—but it’s important to plan wisely. Here are a few tips:
1. Budget Smart
The May 31 payment is for January 2025 expenses. Don’t use it early during the holidays. Budget carefully for rent, food, and other essentials for January.
2. Monitor Your Account
Check your bank account on May 31 to make sure the correct amount was deposited. If you don’t receive it, contact the SSA right away.
3. Stay Informed
SSI rules can change. Stay up to date on income and resource limits, reporting requirements, and other key changes by checking the SSA website or subscribing to their updates.
4. Look into State Supplements
If you’re not already receiving a state supplement, see if you’re eligible. These could add extra dollars to your monthly benefits.
The 2.5% SSI increase may not seem huge, but every bit helps when you’re on a fixed income. This May 31 direct deposit ensures you won’t have to wait until after the holidays to start receiving the higher amount. Just make sure you budget carefully and report any changes to the SSA to avoid overpayments or disruptions in benefits.
FAQs
When will I receive the boosted SSI payment?
May 31, 2025 is the first payment with the 2025 COLA increase.
How much is the new SSI amount in 2025?
$967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples per month.
Do I need to apply for the COLA increase?
No, the COLA adjustment is automatic for eligible recipients.
What income and asset limits apply for SSI?
$2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples in countable resources.
Can states add extra to SSI payments?
Yes, many states offer additional SSI supplements each month.
