The US federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program will provide financial assistance in 2025 to older adults, people with disabilities or blindness who meet strict income and resource limits. The maximum projected federal payments are $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples, adjusted for the cost of living index (COLA).
SSI divides its beneficiaries into three categories. First, low-income adults over 65 years of age. Second, people with a physical or mental disability that prevents them from working substantially (SGA), a condition that must last at least 12 months (or end in the passing of the individual). By 2025, the SGA threshold could exceed $1,550 per month, according to projections from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In children under 18 years of age, serious functional limitations with a minimum annual duration are required. The third group is people with legal blindness, defined as visual acuity less than 20/200 or visual field less than 20 degrees. All cases require medical and financial verification.
More requirements you must comply with to qualify for SSI
Applicants must not exceed $2,000 in individual resources or $3,000 in the case of couples. The primary residence, a vehicle, and up to $1,500 set aside for funeral expenses are excluded from the calculation. Regarding income, certain exclusions are allowed, such as $20 per month of unearned income (for example, pensions) and $65 of earned income plus 50% of the rest.
“The final calculation subtracts countable income from the federal maximum amount,” the SSA explains. For example, an individual receiving $300 per month in pension would receive $667 in SSI after applying the appropriate exclusions. Some states, such as California or New York, provide state supplements that increase the total payment.
Recipients must reside in the US, District of Columbia or Northern Mariana Islands. Only citizens, nationals or qualified foreigners (permanent residents) can apply. Those who are imprisoned or admitted to public hospitals are excluded, except for temporary exceptions.
The process requires medical proof of disability or blindness, proof of income, resources, and immigration status. Applications are made online, by phone or at Social Security offices. For students under 22 years of age, an exclusion of up to $2,220 in earned income applies, while the PASS Plan allows funds to be saved for work goals without affecting eligibility.
Can I combine SSI with Social Security benefits?
“Yes. It is possible to collect SSI and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time, as long as the SSI income and resource requirements are met,” details the SSA. In 2025, the combined limit would be $987 per month, including the $20 general exclusion.
The calculation first applies a $20 deduction to unearned income. The rest is deducted from the maximum SSI amount, dollar for dollar. For example, a pension of $500 would reduce the SSI payment to $487, for a total of $987 per month. Allowed resources remain limited to $2,000 per person or $3,000 per couple, excluding essential goods.
