Those who rely on Social Security benefits will be able to access some extra financial aid options to supplement their income!
In 2025, some options will be added that are designed to support people who rely exclusively on Social Security to cover basic needs, we are talking about retirees, disabled people and people who live below the poverty line.
So, from SSI, they will lend a hand or the Social Security check (only if it is lower than the average).
We are going to tell you how you can get that extra benefit and what you have to do to get it below.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits
Let’s go step by step, the first benefit you can opt for is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), aimed at low-income people. If the payment that corresponds to you from Social Security is lower than average, SSI can be a key option to increase your payment a little more.
In 2025, the basic amount of aid will be $575 (although the maximum could reach $697, depending on whether you receive other benefits) in this case, the SSA will evaluate your level of income and personal resources to see if you qualify, so they will make sure to give this benefit to those who need it most.
Spousal benefits
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Few beneficiaries know that Social Security offers this contribution to couples (those who file jointly), so couples can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s retirement or SSDI benefits (once you turn 62).
If you care for a child under 16 who qualifies, you could also be lucky enough to receive this type of help!
About the SNAP payment
Another program that you could apply for to increase those SSA payments is called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). This program offers, through an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card, this means that the payment made to you by the SSA will allow you to buy food (and basic necessities, such as personal hygiene or cleaning products) in markets and stores authorized by the SNAP program itself.
With this payment you can reduce expenses on basic food products (fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats) that allow you and your family to have a balanced diet (which many times, these products exceed what we can spend.
There are also benefits for veterans.
Of course, veterans also have benefits that can be combined with Social Security payments; for those who have some type of (partial) disability from the Veterans Administration (VA), these benefits can be supplemented by SSI. It is also possible for veterans who have a little pension or whose disability is not covered by other social programs.
Other options for help
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There are other programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, which offers financial assistance and other services for low-income families (or those below the poverty line); and another program such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, WIC, which supports pregnant women and children up to five years old.
These two programs are designed to provide economic relief to the most socially disadvantaged sectors of the population.
How can I access these payments?
Each of these benefits has its own conditions, however you can:
- Check the requirements of each program to find out if you will be eligible or not.
- Prepare the necessary documentation (proof of income, monthly expenses and family status)
- Contact the corresponding agencies:
- For SSI and spousal benefits, visit a Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.
- For SNAP, TANF and WIC, contact the Department of Social Services in your state.
You can also request the help of an expert in the field, therefore, we advise you to have the support of a social worker, since they can guide you through the process.