Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can look forward to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2025. This boost is designed to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
Let’s break down what this means for individual recipients, married couples, and other SSI categories.
Individual Boost
For eligible individuals receiving the maximum SSI payment, the monthly amount will rise from $943 in 2024 to $967 starting December 31, 2024. That’s an additional $24 per month, resulting in an annual increase of $288 over 12 payments.
| Category | 2024 Amount | 2025 Amount | Monthly Increase | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (max) | $943 | $967 | $24 | $288 |
To remain eligible for the full amount, recipients must ensure their financial situation does not exceed SSA’s income or resource limits. Changes should be reported promptly to avoid overpayments or eligibility issues.
Married Couples
Married couples receiving SSI also benefit from the COLA increase. In 2024, the maximum payment for couples is $1,415, which will rise to $1,450 in 2025. This equates to a monthly increase of $35, or an annual boost of $420 shared between the two recipients.
| Category | 2024 Amount | 2025 Amount | Monthly Increase | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Married Couple (max) | $1,415 | $1,450 | $35 | $420 |
Since this increase is split between both recipients, each person effectively receives $210 extra per year. That’s $78 less than the $288 an individual recipient receives.
Average Payments
Not all SSI recipients receive the maximum amount. On average, SSI payments are around $697 per month as of October 2024. For these recipients, the 2.5% COLA will result in a monthly increase of $17, or $204 annually.
| Category | 2024 Average | 2025 Average | Monthly Increase | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (avg) | $697 | $714 | $17 | $204 |
Essential Persons
Essential persons—those who live with and provide care for an SSI recipient—also see an increase. In 2024, their benefit is $472, which rises to $484 in 2025. This is an increase of $12 per month or $144 per year.
| Category | 2024 Amount | 2025 Amount | Monthly Increase | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Person | $472 | $484 | $12 | $144 |
Key Takeaways
- Individuals will see a total COLA boost of $288 annually if receiving the maximum SSI amount.
- Married couples receiving the full benefit will gain $420 annually, split between both.
- Average recipients can expect a COLA increase of $204 per year.
- Essential persons will gain $144 annually from the adjustment.
This COLA adjustment ensures that SSI payments remain aligned with inflation, providing much-needed relief to low-income Americans relying on this critical program.
