Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a financial help program in the United States. It is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is designed to support people who have low income and limited resources. Unlike regular Social Security retirement benefits, SSI is not based on your work history. Instead, it looks at your financial need.
SSI helps people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. The main goal of the program is to provide money for basic needs like food, clothing, and housing. Let’s understand how SSI works in 2025 and who can apply for it.
How SSI Works in 2025
The maximum federal SSI payment in 2025 is:
- $967 per month for an individual
- $1,450 per month for a couple applying together
These amounts include a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 2025. This adjustment is done every year to keep up with inflation.
Some states also offer extra payments on top of the federal SSI. The amount varies by state. For example, some states give hundreds of extra dollars, while others like Arizona and North Dakota do not offer any extra payment.
Who Can Get SSI?
To receive SSI benefits in 2025, you must meet three main conditions:
- Be at least 65 years old, or be blind or disabled
- Have limited income
- Have limited resources (less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples)
When calculating resources, your main house, one vehicle, and other necessary personal items are not counted.
Types of Income That Affect SSI
Income is divided into two types:
- Earned income – money from working
- Unearned income – money from pensions, benefits, etc.
From earned income, the first $65 is not counted, and then half of the remaining income is excluded. For unearned income, the first $20 is excluded. The rest of the income is subtracted from the maximum SSI amount.
Let’s see an example:
If someone gets $200 of unearned income per month:
- First $20 is excluded
- The rest ($180) is subtracted from $967
- The person will receive $787 as SSI payment
This rule is designed so people can still work or have some extra support and not lose all of their SSI benefits.
Combining SSI with Other Benefits
About 2.5 million people receive both Social Security and SSI at the same time. This happens when someone qualifies for Social Security based on their work record but their total income is still low. In that case, SSI can be added to support them further.
Also, around 84% of SSI recipients have serious disabilities, including children with health issues that are as serious as those in adults. But even older people without disabilities can qualify, if they meet the income and resource limits.
Why SSI Matters
SSI is very important because it helps people who are struggling with their basic needs. It is designed to reduce poverty among older adults, people with disabilities, and others with very low income. It is funded by general taxes, not Social Security contributions, so even people who have never worked can apply for it.
SSI is a safety net for people in the US who are facing financial hardship due to age, blindness, or disability. In 2025, the maximum monthly payments are $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, including a small cost of living increase.
With clear eligibility rules and income limits, SSI offers vital support for millions of people. If someone cannot meet their daily needs with Social Security alone, combining it with SSI can provide much-needed relief and help them live with dignity.