Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides critical financial support to low-income individuals who are elderly, disabled, or blind. To qualify, applicants must have minimal income and resources.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines payment amounts based on a variety of factors, including age and earnings.
If you’re receiving SSI benefits, here’s what you need to know about your next payment date, how much you can expect, and any future changes.
SSI Next Payment Date
The most recent SSI payment was made on August 30, 2024, covering the September payment. Because payments are often sent early when they coincide with weekends or holidays, there will be no payment in September.
The next SSI payment is scheduled for October 1, 2024, with all beneficiaries receiving their check or direct deposit on the same day.
While some months may include two SSI payments, this occurs only when the first of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, requiring the SSA to issue payments early. October’s payment will be a single payment, as October 1 falls on a weekday.
SSI Payment Schedule Summary
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| September | August 30, 2024 |
| October | October 1, 2024 |
Who Is Eligible for SSI?
To receive SSI benefits, you must meet three key criteria:
- Age: Be at least 65 years old, or
- Disability: Have a disability that meets SSA’s strict guidelines, or
- Blindness: Be legally blind.
Additionally, you must have limited income and few financial resources. SSI recipients may also receive other forms of Social Security assistance, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, if eligible.
Payment Amounts Based on Age Group
SSI payment amounts can vary based on factors such as age, disability status, and income. The following are the average SSI payments based on age groups:
| Age Group | Average Payment |
|---|---|
| Recipients aged 18-64 | $742 |
| Recipients aged 65 and older | $574 |
| Recipients aged under 18 | $805 |
The average SSI payment across all recipients is $695 per month, but maximum payments can be much higher for those who qualify. For example, married couples eligible for SSI can receive up to $1,415 combined, while individuals can receive up to $943.
Maximum SSI Payments
| Recipient Status | Maximum Payment |
|---|---|
| Individual | $943 |
| Married Couple (both eligible) | $1,415 |
For those receiving lower payments, additional financial assistance may be available through programs such as SNAP, which can help supplement food costs.
Will October’s Payment Include the 2025 COLA Increase?
No, the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will not be applied to October’s payment. The SSA typically announces the new COLA figure on October 10, but the increase will not go into effect until December 31, 2024.
This means recipients will see the COLA-adjusted payment starting in January 2025.
Currently, projections suggest that the 2025 COLA will be around 2.57%, a relatively small increase compared to previous years. For SSI recipients, who typically receive lower payments, this means the COLA boost may only result in a modest increase in monthly benefits.
Maximizing Your Benefits
If your SSI payments are on the lower end, there are a few ways you might increase your financial support:
- Apply for SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can help cover food costs. Eligibility depends on your income, household size, and resources.
- Check for state supplements: Some states provide additional payments to SSI recipients, known as State Supplemental Payments (SSP), which vary by location.
- Review your eligibility for SSDI: If you have a work history and qualify as disabled, you may be eligible for SSDI in addition to SSI, potentially boosting your total monthly income.
SSI recipients can expect their next payment on October 1, 2024, after receiving their September payment early on August 30.
While COLA adjustments won’t apply until January 2025, the modest increase could provide some relief for those on fixed incomes.
For those receiving lower payments, exploring additional benefits like SNAP or state supplements may help stretch your budget further.
FAQs
When is the next SSI payment?
The next SSI payment is on October 1, 2024.
How much is the average SSI payment?
The average SSI payment is about $695, but amounts vary by age group.
Will October’s SSI payment include a COLA increase?
No, the COLA increase will apply to payments starting in January 2025.
What is the maximum SSI payment for individuals?
The maximum SSI payment for individuals is $943.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI benefits?
Yes, if you meet the income and resource requirements for both programs.
