In 2025, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program will continue to provide important financial help to low-income Americans, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or legally blind. Managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the program helps people who meet strict income and resource limits.
If you’re wondering whether you or your loved ones qualify for SSI and how much money you can receive, this article explains everything you need to know—eligibility rules, payment amounts, and how to apply.
How Much Can You Receive Through SSI in 2025?
According to estimates for 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment will be:
- $967 for individuals
- $1,450 for couples
These amounts are adjusted each year based on Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). However, the actual amount you receive depends on your income, living situation, and other resources.
Some states, like California or New York, offer extra payments called state supplements, which can increase your total monthly amount.
Who Qualifies for SSI?
SSI recipients fall into three main groups:
1. Low-Income Seniors
People who are 65 years or older with limited income and resources.
2. People With Disabilities
Adults and children who have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from working (called Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA). The condition must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
In 2025, the SGA income limit is expected to be above $1,550/month, based on SSA projections.
3. People Who Are Legally Blind
Applicants must have vision of 20/200 or worse in their better eye or a visual field less than 20 degrees. Like all other cases, this must be confirmed through medical documents.
Children under 18 with serious physical or mental limitations that last at least 12 months can also qualify, if their parents meet the income and asset rules.
What Are the Income and Resource Limits?
To receive SSI, your countable resources must not exceed:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
Some items are not counted, such as:
- Your main home
- One vehicle
- Up to $1,500 saved for funeral costs
Income Rules
The SSA allows a few income exclusions, including:
- $20/month of unearned income (like pensions)
- $65 of earned income, plus half of any amount above that
So, if you have a small pension or part-time job, that doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The SSA subtracts countable income from the maximum federal SSI amount to decide how much you get.
Example:
If you receive $300 in pension, your SSI would be:
- $967 (max) − ($300 − $20 exclusion) = $667/month
Who Is Not Eligible?
You are not eligible for SSI if you:
- Are living outside the US, District of Columbia, or Northern Mariana Islands
- Are jailed or admitted to a public hospital
- Are not a US citizen, national, or qualified permanent resident
Special Rules for Students and Workers
If you’re under 22 and studying, you can exclude up to $2,220 of earned income in 2025.
There is also the PASS Plan (Plan to Achieve Self-Support), which lets you save money for a work goal, such as job training or education, without affecting your SSI eligibility.
Can You Get SSI Along With Social Security Retirement?
Yes, you can combine SSI with Social Security retirement benefits, as long as you meet the income and resource limits.
In 2025, the total combined limit is $987/month, which includes:
- $20 general income exclusion
- The remaining amount from Social Security is deducted from the SSI check
Example:
If your monthly pension is $500, your SSI would be:
- $967 (max) − ($500 − $20 exclusion) = $487
- Total monthly income = $500 pension + $487 SSI = $987
How to Apply for SSI
You can apply:
- Online through the SSA website
- By phone at your local Social Security office
- In person by scheduling an appointment
You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of disability or blindness
- Financial information (income, savings, etc.)
- Immigration documents, if you’re not a US citizen