The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program will resume its deposits in April, after a pause in March due to its payment schedule. This interval does not imply errors, but rather a Social Security Administration (SSA) policy that advances deposits when the scheduled date falls on weekends or holidays.
During the month of March, as the 1st fell on a Saturday, the payment was issued on February 28th. It should be noted that, although some months have no deposits, others may include double payments to guarantee the 12 annual disbursements. The fact of receiving two payments in a month does not mean that there are extra payments.
Increases in SSI amounts for 2025
Thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), benefits increased 2.5% this year. This increase is made every year after knowing the inflation of the last period to prevent recipients of Social Security payments (and other programs such as SNAP benefits, for example) from losing purchasing power.
The monthly limits are:
- $967 for individuals.
- $1,450 for beneficiary couples.
However, these maximum amounts do not apply to everyone. The final figure depends on factors such as employment income, external financial support or contributions to basic expenses.
For example, staying at a friend’s house without covering a proportionate share of rent or food could reduce the payment to $342.33, as the program deducts savings on essential needs. Some states, such as California, offer additional supplements, so it is recommended to check local regulations.
The SSA suggests waiting until the April payment reflects in your account before inquiring about specific amounts, as retroactive adjustments could take a few days. If the deposit does not appear on April 1, it is advisable to wait three business days due to possible banking delays. After this period, contact 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with the social security number (SSN) and relevant documentation to expedite the review.
Procedures and requirements for SSI are now stricter
Starting March 31, 2025, key changes will be implemented for beneficiaries who want to apply for SSI and other Social Security programs:
In-person identity verification: Those who do not use the my Social Security digital platform for procedures (applications, updating bank accounts, etc.) must present identity documents in person. This measure will come into full force on April 14. Users registered online will keep their processes unchanged.
Return of overpayments: In the event of overpayments, SSA will continue to withhold up to 10% of the monthly benefit to recover funds. However, those affected can appeal if they consider the decision unfair.
Impact of external pensions: Under the Social Security Fairness Act, pensions from jobs not covered by the SSA (such as certain public positions) could influence other programs, although it does not apply to SSI payments. The now enacted law will eliminate the GPO and WEP retirement and pension cuts, and some federal employees will see an increment in their checks, and the raise is permanent.
