Federal SSI Payment Rates for 2025

The federal base rate for SSI payments is determined annually by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment amounts are as follows:

• Individual: The maximum SSI payment for an eligible individual is $914 per month.
• Couple: The maximum payment for an eligible couple is $1,371 per month.

However, these amounts can be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances, such as income and living arrangements.

Income and Asset Limits

SSI is a need-based program, so the amount you receive will depend on your income and assets. If your income exceeds the SSA’s limits, your SSI payment may be reduced or you may not qualify for benefits at all. Here are the key limits:

• Income Limits: The SSA counts your income from various sources, including wages, pensions, and other benefits. If your total income exceeds a certain amount, your SSI payment will be reduced. The SSA uses a formula to calculate how much of your income will count toward the payment.
• Resource Limits: To qualify for SSI, you must have limited resources (assets). For an individual, the limit is $2,000 in assets, and for a couple, the limit is $3,000. Resources can include cash, bank accounts, property (other than your primary residence), and other valuables.

State Supplements

While the federal government sets the base SSI payment rates, many states offer additional payments (called state supplements) to help recipients. These payments vary by state, and they are designed to help cover the cost of living in that specific area. For example:

• Some states, like California and New York, offer state-specific SSI supplements, which can significantly increase the amount you receive each month.
• Other states, like Florida or Texas, do not offer state supplements and will only provide the federal base rate.

You can contact your state's Social Security office or visit the SSA website to find out whether your state offers additional payments and how much you might qualify for.

Living Situation and How it Affects Payments

Your living arrangements also impact how much you receive from SSI. The SSA considers the following:

• Living Alone: If you live independently and pay for all your own living expenses, you may qualify for the full SSI payment.
• Living with Others: If you live with someone else and they provide you with food or shelter, your SSI payment may be reduced. The SSA has a “In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)” rule that reduces payments if someone else is helping with food or housing.
• Nursing Homes or Institutions: If you live in a medical institution (such as a nursing home), your SSI payments may be reduced to $30 per month or potentially eliminated, depending on the institution.

Impact of Other Benefits on SSI Payments

If you receive other types of income, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), unemployment, or other state assistance programs, your SSI payment may be reduced. The SSA will subtract a portion of your income from your SSI payment based on certain exclusions, such as the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 of earned income, as well as half of your remaining earned income.

Special SSI Programs for Certain Groups

• Blind or Disabled Children: Children who are blind or disabled and qualify for SSI may receive a different payment amount depending on their family’s income and resources.
• Living in Certain Institutions: The rules around receiving SSI when living in institutions or nursing homes can vary, so it's important to review your eligibility if your living situation changes.