Not having enough money to get by can happen to anyone. The Federal Government funds the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefit program for low-income and resource Americans who meet one of the following 3 main requirements.
These monthly payments will be for those who also have a disability, are blind, or are at least 65 years old. Therefore, it is not enough to have a low income and little or no resources.
SSI payments will be higher after the 2025 COLA increase Social Security announced
Thanks to the 2025 COLA increase, all Social Security and SSI recipients will enjoy a 2.5% increase. However, this boost will not become effective until January 2025 for retirees and SSDI recipients, and until December 31, 2024 for Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries.
New maximum amounts for Supplemental Security Income after COLA:
- individuals who qualify for the maximum amount can receive up to: $967
- married couples who qualify for the maximum amount can receive up to: $1,450
- essential persons who qualify for the maximum amount can receive up to: $484
Bear in mind that the current amounts are $943, $1,415, and $472 through December 30, 2024. If you have a low income, little or no resources and have a disability, are blind or you are ate least 65, check other conditions to get this benefit in 2025.
SSI additional requirements and how to apply
Apart from the previously mentioned conditions, you must be a United States citizen or a national. Some non-citizens may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income as long as they are in one of the certain alien classifications given by DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
Do not forget that you must also be a resident of one of the 50 States. If not, you can also live in the Northern Mariana Islands and the District of Columbia. Those citizens who are absent should also meet additional requirements.
SSI recipients cannot be absent from the 50 States, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District of Columbia for a complete calendar month or 30 consecutive days. If you are in prison or confined, you will not qualify. Other special conditions may apply and filing is mandatory.
To start your application visit: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/start.html or call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to make an appointment to apply for SSI.