If you are considering applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must first know if your state offers a supplement that could increase your monthly payment. SSI is designed to provide financial support to individuals with limited resources and income, especially those who are elderly, blind, or disabled.
In 2024, the program provided benefits reaching up to $472, $943 and $1,415. Additionally, with a confirmed 2.5% increase in the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), benefits will see an additional increase in 2025 starting, actually, very soon.
Your next SSI check will come bigger than expected
Starting December 31, 2024, an increase in monthly SSI payments will be implemented. This adjustment represents crucial relief for many beneficiaries as living costs continue to rise in the United States. The typical monthly benefit will reach about $967, which includes an average increase of approximately $50.
If you live in a state that provides an additional supplement to beneficiaries, you could receive more money each month. It’s important to note that not all states offer SSI supplements, so you must do a little research about availability in your jurisdiction. We’ll see that later in detail.
To qualify for SSI, applicants must meet certain requirements established by the SSA
Basic criteria include being over 65 years old, being blind—that is, having lost vision—or having a disability that prevents you from carrying out daily activities and working. Additionally, applicants are required to demonstrate that they have limited financial resources. The resource limit is generally $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, excluding a primary residence or an essential vehicle.
Additionally, applicants must fall within certain income thresholds, as it is necessary to demonstrate that their income is less than the amounts established by the SSA. By 2024, this means a limit of approximately $1,500 a month for individuals and $2,200 for couples.
Applicants must also be US citizens or permanent residents who meet specific immigration requirements. They must reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or some US territories.
The next SSI payment is anticipated for December 31, 2024, one day earlier than usual because January 1 is a holiday. As SSI is an essential program for providing economic support, beneficiaries must be informed and prepared to receive their payments with appropriate adjustments.
What states offer SSI benefits?
There are several states that provide a supplement to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. These states include California, Delaware,* the District of Columbia*, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania*, Rhode Island*, and Vermont.
Take into consideration that some states marked with an asterisk (*) have dual administration, which means that, although there is a supplement, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for managing it.
In addition, there are states that administer their own supplements, including Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
On the other hand, there are states and territories that do not issue supplements to SSI, including Arizona, Arkansas, North Dakota, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, and the Northern Mariana Islands.