Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program in the United States that helps millions of people with low incomes.
It helps people over 65, people with disabilities, and children with disabilities. For people who do not have any other way to get help, this program helps them meet their basic needs like food, clothing, and a place to live.
As 2025 draws near, the Social Security Administration has said that the SSI requirements will stay the same as they were in 2024.
For example, the amount of the payment may change due to the cost of living adjustment (COLA). However, the requirements to be eligible for the program have not changed.
Beneficiaries should be aware of how these rules affect them and what they can do to make sure they meet all the requirements to get payments in the new year.
Let us look at the requirements you must meet to get SSI in 2025 and some ways you can get your payments raised.
Eligibility for SSI in 2025
In 2025, people who want to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) must meet a number of requirements set by the Social Security Administration. It is important to note that these requirements have not changed since 2024.
This means that people who are already getting the benefit do not have to worry about anything as long as they stay eligible.
In 2025, the following things must be true in order to get SSI:
- Age or disabling condition: Applicants must be over 65 or have a disability that significantly prevents them from working. This includes both adults and children with disabilities.
- Citizenship or legal status: To get SSI, applicants must be United States citizens or eligible non-citizens. This includes lawful permanent residents or people with an immigration status that allows them to get benefits.
- Income Requirements: Applicants must have income that does not exceed the limit set by the Social Security Administration. This limit varies depending on factors such as place of residence and household size.
- Net worth requirements: The applicant must have limited assets. By 2025, the resource limit for a single person will be $2,000 and for couples $3,000. This includes savings, non-homestead property, bank accounts, among others.
- United States Residency: The applicant must reside in the United States or certain U.S. territories in a lawful manner.
People who want to get SSI must keep their paperwork up to date and report any changes in their personal or financial situation that could affect their ability to get the.
The Social Security Administration does reviews from time to time, so it is important to know what the rules are all year long.
How do you increase SSI payments?
Even though SSI payments are limited, there are some things that recipients can do to get the most out of their benefits.
Some things, like the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and extra work, can change how much someone gets, even though the basic parts of the program stay the same. These tips will help you get the most out of SSI:
- Take advantage of the COLA: The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is an annual increase in payments made to compensate for increases in the prices of goods and services. This adjustment helps maintain beneficiaries’ purchasing power in the face of inflation. In 2025, the COLA is expected to be 2.5%, which will increase SSI recipients’ payments.
- Avoid exceeding income limits: It is important to keep your income below the established limits to avoid having your SSI payment reduced or even terminated. If you have additional income, make sure it does not exceed the allowable thresholds to maintain your eligibility.
- Use resource exemptions: Some types of assets and resources do not count toward the SSI asset limit. For example, a primary residence is not considered a resource, so it is helpful to make sure your assets do not exceed the limits set for eligibility.
- Check for additional assistance programs: Some states offer SSI supplemental assistance programs. These programs may provide additional payments to help with housing or health care expenses.
Remember that you can keep getting SSI as long as you meet the requirements and keep your income within the allowed range. You can also take advantage of any changes or extra benefits that may be available.