The US government, via the Social Security Administration (SSA), announced something unusual: in May 2025, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients would get two payments in the same month. Reason? Pure date logistics, but we’ll explain it more thoroughly so there are no uncertainties and you don’t think it’s a “gift” or an SSA mistake.
First, the basics: SSI normally pays once a month (on the first day). If that day occurs on a weekend or holiday, the deposit is carried forward to the preceding Friday.
The 1st of June 2025 falls on a Sunday. This is where the problem lies. Your June payment will come in May! Specifically, on May 30, 2025 (Friday). So in May, there will be two deposits: one on May 1 and another on May 30, but the second corresponds to the month of June.
Is SSI sending extra money? Not really, but let’s see more in detail
Finally, this is not an additional benefit. It’s just a date change. The June money will come sooner, but you’ll have to wait until the following installment in July. Advantage? A temporary financial respite; disadvantage? Plan diligently to avoid losing that money early.
This will occur again this year. The payment for that month will come on August 1, while the payment for September will arrive on August 29, since the 1st is a holiday: Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September every year.
How much money will arrive in each payment in May 2025?
Here’s some good news: SSI maximum amounts went up a little in 2025 thanks to the cost of living adjustment (COLA, which was 2.5%). The final amounts were as follows:
- SSI payment for an individual beneficiary: maximum of $943 (increase of $24 from the previous year).
- SSI payment for a couple filing jointly: maximum of $1,450 (increase of $35 from the previous year).
Requirements to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you are thinking about applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), here are the main requirements that you must meet to qualify.
- Be 65 years or older, blind, or have a disability:
- Over 65: You do not need to have a disability, but you do need to demonstrate limited income and resources.
- Disability: Must be a physical or mental condition that:
- Prevents you from working “substantially” (earning more than $1,550 a month in approximately 2024).
- Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or may result in death.
- Blindness: Defined as vision of 20/200 or less even with corrective lenses, or visual field limited to 20 degrees or less.
SSI is for low-income persons, thus earnings, tips, or any other sort of income, in addition to the conditions listed above, must be inadequate to pay all living costs. Pensions, subsidies, aid from family members, and free lodging and board are all considered and may reduce your SSI benefits.
You should have no more than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for couples), which includes money in bank accounts, investments, extra property to the principal residence, costly jewelry, fancy automobiles, and so forth. Your primary residence, a daily-use vehicle, appliances, furniture, and up to $1,500 in savings are not considered obstacles to eligibility.