If you’re living in the United States and facing financial hardship due to old age, disability, or blindness, you may qualify for monthly help through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. In 2025, the SSI scheme will continue to support low-income individuals and families who meet specific rules related to income, resources, and health conditions.
Whether you’re already receiving support or thinking about applying, here’s a simple breakdown of how SSI works, how much you could receive, and who qualifies.
Who Can Get SSI in 2025?
The SSI program is meant for people who cannot earn enough to support themselves. It includes three main groups:
1. Older adults:
If you’re aged 65 or older and your income and savings are very limited, you can apply.
2. People with disabilities:
This includes those with a physical or mental condition that keeps them from working regularly. The disability must last for at least 12 months or be life-threatening.
3. Legally blind individuals:
To qualify under this category, your vision must be severely limited—either very poor visual clarity (less than 20/200) or a narrow field of vision (less than 20 degrees).
Children under 18 can also qualify if they have serious long-term disabilities that affect their daily activities.
How Much SSI Can You Get?
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment is expected to be:
- $967 for single individuals
- $1,450 for couples
These figures are adjusted each year based on inflation and the cost of living (COLA). However, not everyone will receive the full amount. The final payment depends on your income and what the government counts as your “resources.”
What Are the Income and Resource Limits?
To qualify, your total countable resources must be under:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
Resources are things you own, like cash, bank accounts, and other valuable assets. But some things are not counted, like your main home, one vehicle, and up to $1,500 saved for funeral expenses.
Income Exclusions:
When calculating your SSI payment, not all income is counted. You can exclude:
- The first $20 per month of unearned income (like pensions or Social Security)
- The first $65 of earned income, plus half of what you earn beyond that
For example, if you get a pension of $300, your SSI payment would be reduced by $280 (after excluding $20), so you’d receive $667 in SSI.
Some states, like California and New York, offer extra money along with federal SSI, increasing the total monthly support.
Other Requirements
To apply for SSI, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified non-citizen (such as a permanent resident)
- Live in the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands
- Not be in jail or in a public hospital long-term
You’ll need to submit medical documents, proof of income, resource details, and immigration status.
You can apply online, by phone, or by visiting your nearest Social Security office.
Special Rule for Students:
Students under 22 can earn up to $2,220 per month (in 2025) without affecting their SSI payment, thanks to a student income exclusion.
Also, the PASS plan lets you set aside money for work goals—like education or starting a business—without losing your SSI.
Can You Receive SSI and Social Security Benefits Together?
Yes, it’s possible to receive both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits, as long as your total income and resources stay within the SSI limits.
For example, in 2025:
- If you receive a $500 pension, you get $20 excluded.
- The remaining $480 reduces your SSI from $967 to $487, giving you a total of $987 per month from both sources combined.
The same resource limits of $2,000 per person or $3,000 per couple still apply.
The SSI program in 2025 continues to provide important financial help for people who are elderly, disabled, or blind and struggling with low income. With a monthly support amount of up to $967 for individuals, this benefit can make a real difference.
But strict rules apply—especially related to income and assets. If you or someone you know could qualify, it’s worth exploring. Visit the official Social Security website, call their helpline, or go to a local office to get started.
Make sure to gather all your documents in advance and be prepared to show proof of your condition and finances. A little effort can go a long way in receiving long-term support.
