Your 2025 SSI Guide
Get the essentials on Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—who qualifies, payment rates, and how to apply in 2025.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly cash payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older. Unlike SSDI, which is based on work history, SSI is needs-based—helping over 7 million Americans in 2025, including kids and adults who may not have worked much or at all. In 2025, maximum payments are $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, often boosted by state supplements. Learn more at SSA.gov.
SSI supports diverse groups—children with disabilities, young adults transitioning at 18, seniors, and even some immigrants. Curious about eligibility or how payments work? Let’s break it down.
Who Qualifies for SSI?
Eligibility rests on three pillars: category, income, and resources.
1. Category
- Disabled: Adults or kids with a condition lasting 12+ months or fatal, limiting daily life. Details.
- Blind: Vision 20/200 or worse, or field ≤20°.
- Aged: 65+.
- Visa Holders: Refugees/asylees within 7 years, if disabled/blind.
2. Income Limits
Countable income must be below $967 (individual) or $1,450 (couple). Some income is excluded:
| Type | 2025 Limit | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $967 | $500 pension → $467 SSI |
| Couple | $1,450 | $800 combined → $650 SSI |
3. Resource Limits
- Individual: $2,000
- Couple: $3,000
Income and Resource Exclusions
Income Exclusions
- $20 of any income.
- $65 of wages + $1 per $2 after.
- Up to $2,350/month for students under 22.
- Food aid (2025 update). Details.
Resource Exclusions
- Home, one car, personal items.
- $1,500 burial funds.
- ABLE accounts ≤$100,000.
SSI Payments in 2025
| Recipient | Max Payment |
|---|---|
| Individual | $967 |
| Couple | $1,450 |
| In Another’s Household | $645 |
State supplements vary—check SSA.gov.
How SSI Adjusts for Income
- Unearned: $1 off per $1 after $20.
- Earned: $1 off per $2 after $85.
Maria, 67
$400 pension - $20 = $380 countable. SSI: $967 - $380 = $587.
Tom, 35
$205 wages - $85 = $120; $60 reduces SSI: $967 - $60 = $907.
Application Process
- Gather ID, income, medical docs.
- Apply: 1-800-772-1213 or online (65+).
- Interview with SSA.
- Payments start if approved.
Real-Life Scenarios
Sarah, 12
Parents’ $2,000 deems $300. SSI: $967 - $300 = $667.
Jake, 18
No income after 18. SSI: $967.
Ahmed, 40
No income, $1,000 savings. SSI: $967.
Lisa & Mark
$600 pension - $20 = $580. SSI: $1,450 - $580 = $870.
SSI vs. SSDI
| Aspect | SSI | SSDI |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Need | Work |
| Max 2025 | $967 | ~$1,500 |
| Health | Medicaid | Medicare |
Living Arrangements Impact
- Own Home: $967 (no income).
- With Others: $645.
- Institution: $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work?
Yes! $400 wages → $853 SSI. Details.
Affects other benefits?
Yes, often ties to Medicaid, SNAP.
