The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to issue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for July 2025 on Tuesday, July 1. This follows the standard payment schedule, as the first day of the month falls on a weekday. Unlike June, when early payments were issued on May 30 due to the first day falling on a Sunday, July’s payment will be made on the usual date.
Payment Distribution Process
SSI payments are distributed on the first business day of the month, which in July 2025 will be Tuesday, July 1. Recipients can receive their funds through their preferred method, either direct deposit or a Direct Express debit card.
Maximum SSI Payment Amounts in 2025
In 2025, the federal maximum SSI payment for an individual is $967 per month. For eligible couples, the total maximum benefit is $1,450 per month, which is divided equally between the two individuals.
There is also a third payment category for those who qualify as “essential persons”. These individuals provide ongoing, essential care to an SSI beneficiary and are entitled to $484 per month.
COLA Adjustment for 2025
The 2.5% increase in SSI benefits that took effect in January 2025 is included in the amounts listed above. This increase is part of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which helps protect beneficiaries from inflation by adjusting the payments to reflect rising living costs.
The Senior Citizen League (TSCL), a nonpartisan senior advocacy group, projects that the COLA for 2026 will range from 2.4% to 2.5%.
Updated SSI Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for SSI in 2025, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Be 65 years old or older
Be legally blind
Have a disability that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful employment (SGA), as defined by the SSA.
In addition to these requirements, applicants must have countable income below the established limits:
For an individual, the monthly income limit is $967.
For couples, the combined limit is $1,450 per month.
Income affects the final SSI benefit. For example, the SSA deducts $1 for every $2 of earned income above the first $85.
Asset and Resource Limits for SSI Eligibility
The SSA also limits the resources or assets a person can have. For eligibility:
Individual beneficiaries cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources.
Couples cannot have more than $3,000 in countable resources.
Certain assets, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and property (other than the primary residence and a car), count toward the limit. However, primary residences and one vehicle are generally excluded from the resource calculation by law.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national or have qualifying immigration status. They must also reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. Applicants cannot be outside the U.S. for more than 30 consecutive days.