One of the most important perks that the Social Security Administration in the United States gives out is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will give people who get SSI a nice treat in 2025: their monthly payments will go up by a lot.
The goal of this change is to fight inflation and keep beneficiaries’ buying power from going down over time.
It is very important for seniors and people with disabilities to have COLA because it helps them keep their income valuable even though living costs are going up. This rise will help people who depend on SSI even more in 2025 by covering basic costs like food, rent, and other basic services.
What is SSI, and how is it adjusted annually?
The goal of the SSI program is to help people who don’t have a lot of money or other means. SSI payments are changed every year to make sure that recipients don’t lose buying power because of inflation.
For many people across the country, the raise for 2025 is especially good news because it not only keeps the value of these payments but also gives them a small boost against the rising cost of living.
SSI payments are boosted by extra help from some states, in addition to this government adjustment. In other words, people who live in those places could see their monthly income go up even more.
How much will SSI recipients receive in 2025?
Because the COLA went up by 2.5%, monthly SSI payouts will go up by a lot. The biggest check a single person can get each month in 2024 is $943. In 2025, it will be $967. Couples who get SSI will also see their monthly payments go up; they will go from $1,415 to $1,450.
It’s important to keep in mind that some states give extra payments on top of federal SSI. Because of this, if you live in one of these places, your monthly income might go up even more.
Combining SSI with other benefits
SSI payments can be paired with regular Social Security benefits, which is another interesting choice. This means that some people will get an extra amount every month, which will help them pay their bills even more.
How to maximize SSI payments
Even though your SSI automatically goes up every year, there are things you can do to make sure you get the most money possible. The amount of SSI you get depends a lot on how much money you make; the less money you make, the more you’ll get.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your SSI payments:
- Review state supplements: As mentioned earlier, some states provide additional payments on top of SSI benefits. It’s crucial to review your state’s regulations to make sure you’re receiving all possible supplements.
- ¡Consider your living situation:¡ If you share housing with others, your payment could be reduced due to what Social Security calls “in-kind support.” This includes non-cash assistance, such as food and shelter, which may impact the amount you receive each month.
- Take advantage of other benefits: Many SSI beneficiaries also qualify for other programs, such as Medicaid, which cover medical expenses that might otherwise be difficult to manage with SSI income alone. Accessing these benefits can ease your financial burden and allow you to use SSI payments for other essential expenses.
2025, a time to review your options
With the expected rise in 2025, now is a great time for people who get SSI to look over their choices and make sure they’re making the most of all the benefits they are entitled to. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment helps with money, but there are other tools that can also make a big difference.
Being eligible for SSI is already a big help, but it’s important to stay up-to-date and look into all of your options to get the most money possible. It can make a big difference in your long-term finances to check local rules and stay up to date on changes to benefits.
