In May 2025, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two deposits: the first on May 1 and the second on May 30. This advance occurs because June 1 is a Sunday, a non-business day, so the payment for June is scheduled for the last Friday in May.
The maximum monthly amounts for 2025 are $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Those who receive both payments in May could accumulate up to $1,934 or $2,900, respectively. However, these amounts do not correspond to a “triple payment”, but rather the regular deposit for May plus the advance payment corresponding to June.
What is SSI and who qualifies for these benefits?
SSI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is aimed at adults over 65 years of age, people with disabilities or blindness, and those who demonstrate limited resources and income. Its objective is to cover basic needs such as food, housing and medical care.
To qualify, applicants must meet strict thresholds: $1,000 in resources for individuals and $2,000 for couples. The main home, a car and essential assets are excluded. Income, including other benefits such as pensions, cannot exceed the federal monthly limit.
Although the maximum individual payment is $967, the actual amount varies depending on specific circumstances. For example, if a beneficiary works, only the first $85 of earned income is exempt. For each additional dollar, SSI is reduced by $0.50.
Those who receive non-monetary support, such as free housing, have their benefit cut by up to $342.33. Additionally, unearned income (private pensions or family assistance) decreases SSI by $1 for every $1 received.
SSI amounts are updated each year with the cost of living adjustment (COLA). In 2025, this increase was 2.5%, raising the individual maximum of $943 in 2024 to $967. For couples, the increase was from $1,415 to $1,450.
This practice seeks to compensate for inflation and maintain the purchasing power of the beneficiaries. The COLA is calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W), according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why is there confusion about “double payments”?
Some beneficiaries interpret the two deposits in May as an “extra benefit.” However, this is a calendar adjustment: the June 1 payment is issued on May 30 to avoid delays.
In months when the first day is a holiday or weekend, the SSA always advances the deposit. In total, each beneficiary or couple receives a total of 12 payments per year, so there are no “extra” payments but rather advance payments are followed by months without payment.