The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced several important updates to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, set to take effect in October 2024.
These changes will impact over 7 million low-income Americans who depend on SSI to meet their basic living needs. If you or someone you know relies on SSI, it’s essential to stay updated on these shifts.
Here’s a breakdown of the four major changes coming in October, including a potential COLA increase for 2025.
Payments
One of the most anticipated changes is the adjustment in SSI benefit amounts. While individual recipients currently receive an average of $943 per month and couples receive up to $1,415, this amount will increase due to an upcoming Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
COLA Increase in 2025
The COLA is a yearly adjustment that aligns SSI and Social Security benefits with inflation. While the exact COLA increase for 2025 has not been confirmed yet, experts project a 2.5% rise.
This means that SSI recipients will receive more than the current $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. For example, with a 2.5% increase, individuals could receive approximately $966, while couples could get around $1,450.
The 2025 COLA will be applied to benefits received in the coming year, and the first adjusted payments are expected to arrive ahead of schedule.
Eligibility
A significant change in SSI eligibility criteria is also being rolled out. Currently, to qualify for SSI, an individual’s monthly income must not exceed $1,971. However, the SSA has updated some requirements to make it easier for more people to access this vital support.
Public Assistance Household Redefinition
Under the previous system, every household member had to receive public assistance to qualify for SSI. The new rule simplifies this: only one SSI recipient is required, along with at least one other household member who receives public assistance subject to resource verification.
This change is crucial because it will allow more low-income families to access benefits and will promote fairness in how Social Security programs are administered.
Food Assistance Calculation Changes
The SSA is also changing how it treats in-kind support and maintenance (ISM), specifically when it comes to food aid. Previously, receiving help with food or housing from friends or family could reduce your SSI benefits.
Now, recipients can accept food assistance from their network without risking a reduction in their SSI payments.
This adjustment is designed to streamline access to benefits and ensure that those in need are not penalized for receiving external support.
Resource Limits
Another notable shift is the increase in resource limits, allowing SSI beneficiaries to retain more assets without affecting their eligibility for benefits.
The old resource limits were restrictive, often making it difficult for recipients to save any money. With these new updates, individuals and couples can maintain more in savings and other assets without losing their SSI benefits.
This change will provide more financial security for low-income Americans, making it easier to plan for future expenses without jeopardizing their benefits.
Fairness
The SSA is also taking steps to promote fairness in the administration of its programs. According to Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley, the SSA is “removing significant hurdles to SSI access by streamlining our laws and incorporating an extra program geared toward low-income families, such as SNAP benefits.”
These changes aim to make SSI and other Social Security programs more accessible and equitable for all Americans. The updates are expected to enhance payments for approximately 277,000 current beneficiaries and make an additional 109,000 individuals newly eligible for SSI benefits.
Impact of Fairness Measures
- Enhanced Payments: Over a quarter-million current SSI beneficiaries will see an increase in their monthly payments.
- Newly Eligible: 109,000 more Americans will qualify for SSI under the revised criteria.
These adjustments are part of a broader effort to ensure that the SSA’s programs are fair, accessible, and supportive of the individuals and families who rely on them.
What’s Next for SSI Recipients?
These updates reflect a major shift in the way the SSA manages SSI benefits, and the changes are designed to make the program more supportive and accessible to low-income individuals and families.
As these new rules take effect, it’s vital to understand how they may impact your eligibility and benefit amount.
Table: Impact of SSI Changes
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| COLA Increase (2025) | Approximately 2.5% rise, increasing benefits by $20-$35. |
| Public Assistance Household Rule | Only one SSI recipient needed per household. |
| In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) | Food aid from friends/family no longer reduces SSI. |
| Enhanced Eligibility Criteria | 109,000 newly eligible, 277,000 current beneficiaries see higher payments. |
Stay informed by visiting the SSA’s website or reaching out to a representative if you have any questions. Understanding these updates will help you maximize the benefits you or your loved ones are entitled to.
FAQs
What is the 2025 COLA for Social Security?
The 2025 COLA is projected to be around 2.5%, increasing SSI payments.
Can receiving food aid affect my SSI benefits?
No, new rules allow SSI recipients to receive food aid without reducing benefits.
How will public assistance household rules change?
Now, only one SSI recipient is needed in a household, along with another member on public assistance.
When will I receive my COLA-adjusted SSI payment?
The first COLA-adjusted payments for 2025 will arrive earlier than usual.
How much can couples receive with SSI?
Couples can receive up to $1,415, with possible increases due to COLA adjustments.
