The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is set to see significant updates following the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. This adjustment is a regular practice by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help SSI recipients keep pace with inflation.
As of December 31, 2024, SSI beneficiaries will receive their COLA-adjusted payments ahead of Social Security retirees due to a Federal holiday. The 2025 COLA increase will change SSI payment amounts, student exclusions, and disability thresholds, all designed to enhance financial support for millions of Americans.
In this article, we will explore the three most significant changes for SSI recipients after the 2025 COLA increase.
1. New Maximum Payment Amounts for SSI Recipients
The most important change for SSI recipients after the 2025 COLA increase is the rise in maximum payment amounts. The 2.5% COLA increase will adjust the following categories:
- Essential persons: The current maximum payment of $472 will rise to $484.
- Individuals: The maximum monthly payment for individuals will increase from $943 to $967.
- Married couples: The maximum payment for eligible couples will rise from $1,415 to $1,450.
If you do not receive the maximum SSI payment, you can check your updated amount through your My Social Security account. For instance, if you currently receive $500 per month, you will receive $512.50 after the COLA increase, reflecting an extra $2.50 for every $100 in benefits.
2. Increased SSI Student Exclusion Limits
Another significant change is the SSI student exclusion limits, which allow certain students to exclude earnings from their countable income while still receiving SSI. In 2025, the monthly student exclusion limit will increase from $2,290 to $2,350, an additional $60 monthly.
Additionally, the annual SSI student exclusion limit will rise from $9,230 to $9,460, giving students greater flexibility in earning income while retaining their SSI benefits.
3. Adjusted Disability Thresholds for 2025
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) thresholds will also increase following the 2025 COLA adjustment. These thresholds determine how much income an individual can earn while qualifying for disability benefits. The new SGA thresholds are:
- Non-blind individuals: The threshold will increase from $1,550 to $1,620 per month.
- Blind individuals: The maximum amount allowed each month will increase from $2,590 to $2,700.
- Trial Work Period (TWP): The threshold will increase from $1,110 to $1,160 monthly.
If you are an SSI recipient receiving disability benefits and you start working, staying within these income limits is important to avoid affecting your payment eligibility.
The 2025 COLA increase significantly changes SSI payments, including higher maximum payment amounts, increased student exclusion limits, and updated disability thresholds.
These adjustments are designed to help SSI recipients keep pace with inflation and improve their financial security. Stay updated on these changes to make sure you get the benefits you deserve and handle your money well in 2025.
FAQs
SSI recipients will receive their COLA-adjusted payments on December 31, 2024, one day earlier than Social Security retirees due to the Federal holiday.
The 2025 COLA increase is set at 2.5%, which will adjust SSI payments accordingly.
After the 2025 COLA adjustment, the maximum SSI payments will be $484 for essential persons, $967 for individuals, and $1,450 for married couples.
The 2025 COLA will raise the monthly student exclusion limit to $2,350, and the annual limit to $9,460.
In 2025, the SGA threshold for non-blind individuals will increase to $1,620 per month, and for blind individuals, it will rise to $2,700 per month.
