Did you miss the bank notification and find the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) deposit at the end of February? You probably wondered, “Did I win the lottery, or what?” Well, no, friend. It turns out that Social Security has moved the payments for February and March 2025 to avoid weekends and holidays.
Instead of waiting until March 1, you received your money on February 28. And be aware that this occurred in January: the payment for February 1 (a Saturday) arrived on January 31.
Because? Because being late irritates the Social Security Administration. If the original date does not fall on a business day, you will be paid the previous Friday. Simple.
The maximum SSI benefits you can get in February 2025 increased
They adjusted the amounts to reflect the COLA (cost of living adjustment), which was 2.5% this year. It doesn’t mean you’ll get rich, but it’s something. See the updated figures:
- $976 if you are single and apply alone.
- $1,450 if you are part of a couple who applied together (teamwork, see?).
- $484 extra if you have someone to help you with basic things like bathing or cooking (those angels of daily life).
Be careful: these numbers could rise a little more if inflation continues playing tug of war. So stay tuned for new adjustments.
Normal Social Security payments: another story
Here things change. In March 2025, deposits are spread over three Wednesdays. How do you know which one you get? Easy:
- Second Wednesday of the month: if your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th.
- Third Wednesday of the month: if you were born between the 11th and the 20th.
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: for those who are from the 21st to the 31st.
However, this applies only if you receive retirement or survivor benefits. If you’re on SSI or another program, your calendar is different: SSI is always on the first of the month (or the business day prior if it falls on a weekend).
The regular pension is paid on the third day of each month. Ah! And if your date is a holiday, they will pay you the Friday before. The SSA is not going to notify you via Instagram, so mark the dates on your kitchen calendar.
Tips so that it doesn’t catch you off guard:
Check your bank account at the end of the month; don’t expect it to always arrive on the same day. Set up notifications from your bank. Overall, what do you lose? Also, we recommend that you use budget apps that notify you when money arrives. There are no scares like “What about my money?!”
And, following the advance payment on February 28, the next ones will be due on April 1 (I hope this is not a joke) and May 1. Write them down.
And why would anyone lose SSI? Yes, it’s possible
Here comes the serious (but no drama). SSI is for people with low income or resources; however, there are traps that can take you out of the game:
You did too well (financially speaking): If you suddenly get a raise, win the lottery, or your aunt leaves you an unexpected inheritance, you could go over the income limit allowed by the program. Be careful: even large gifts count. The limits vary depending on your state and family situation, so do your research. It’s not going to be that by accepting that all-paid trip from your cousin, you’ll be left without help.
You changed your role in life: For instance, you got married and if your better half has good money, their income is now added to yours to calculate your eligibility.
You moved to another state: Some places have specific residency requirements. If you go somewhere that doesn’t comply, goodbye SSI. If your health improved, you might be no longer eligible to the disability that made you eligible, they remove you from the program.
Furthermore, not reporting changes is the classic mistake: If you do not notify the SSA that you now have a part-time job, that you won a scholarship or that you moved in with a roommate who pays half of the rent, they can take away your benefit for “omitting information.” Better be transparent: a timely call or email avoids headaches later.
