Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is assistance for qualifying individuals indicating limited income and resources.
As of April 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment amounts are:
- Individual Recipient: $967 per month
- Eligible Couple: $1,450 per month
- Essential Person: $484 per month
The above amounts refer to the maximum possible federal payments. Actual amounts may differ according to additional income, living arrangements, and state supplements.
Average SSI Payments: More Details
Though the maximum SSI payment for an individual is $967, many beneficiaries receive a lesser amount depending on certain factors. The average monthly SSI payments in February 2025 were:
- All Recipients: $715.38
- Recipients Under Age 18: $836.84
- Recipients Aged 18–64: $762.49
- Recipients 65 and Older: $591.12
These averages reflect the various situations of SSI beneficiaries, such as other income sources and living arrangements.
Countless Factors For SSI Payments
There are many factors affecting SSI payment amounts for individuals:
- Countable Income: SSI is reduced by all countable income, including wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions.
- Living Arrangements: Receiving free or reduced cost shelter or food can decrease the amount of SSI payments.
- State Supplements: Some states pay their SSI recipients some additional amount that raises the overall number for that individual at month’s end.
Recent Changes Impacting SSI Recipients
The Social Security Administration has, effective on September 30, 2024, ceased counting food assistance, in-kind support, provided by others. An easier program is expected to lead to possible increased SSI payments for some recipients.
Understanding SSI Payment Calculations
To arrive at the SSI payment amount, the Social Security Administration will subtract any countable income from the maximum federal benefit rate.
In a hypothetical situation, if an individual had $200 in countable income, the SSI payment was reduced accordingly.
State Supplementation:
States may provide other payments to SSI recipients, causing an increase in the total monthly benefit. The supplement varies in amount and eligibility from one state to another.
The federal maximum SSI payment for individuals is $967 from April 2025 and cannot be grossly disentangled from other variables such as income, living arrangements, and state supplements. These very factors are relevant for recipients to make anticipatory calculations in respect to their expected monthly benefit and plan in turn.
FAQS:
Why are payments not distributed in full to all SSI recipients?
The amount paid to recipients is adjusted according to the countable income, the living arrangements, and the state supplements.
How is the amount of an SSI payment affected by other income?
Countable income reduces SSI payment amounts by one dollar for every dollar received, following certain exclusions for income types such as wages and certain benefits.
Are SSI payments the same in every state?
No, some states give supplemental payments that increase their total payment to residents of these states.