Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in the United States should get ready for some big changes that will happen in January 2025. When someone has a disability or is over 65 and does not make much money, SSI can help them financially.
When these changes start in the first month of 2025, they will affect both the amounts of payments and the dates they are made.
As of 2025, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will make SSI payments more or less in line with inflation. This is one of the most important changes.
This change is very important because it makes sure that beneficiaries can still buy things even if prices go up. Additionally, because January 1 is a holiday, SSI payments will be sent early so that recipients do not have to wait.
2 SSI changes for January 2025
The first change that was announced is that SSI payments for January 2025 will include the 2025 COLA. This means that people who get SSI will get more money each month.
This change is made every year to account for rising costs of living, especially in areas like housing and food. The exact amount of the 2025 COLA has not been decided yet, but it is likely to be a big number because of the high inflation in the past few years.
The second big change is that SSI payments will be sent early on January 1, 2025, because that day is a holiday. This is to make sure that people who get them get their money right away. Usually, SSI payments are sent out at the start of each month.
However, this year, they will be sent out earlier so that recipients do not have to wait until after the holiday weekend.
The two changes to be implemented in January 2025 are as follows:
- 2025 COLA: The January SSI payment will include an adjustment for the 2025 cost-of-living increase (COLA).
- Advance payment: Because January 1 is a holiday, the SSI payment will be advanced to ensure that recipients get it on time.
This means that if you have Direct Deposit set up, you will be able to get your SSI payment in December 2024. You will have to wait a few more days if not. No matter what, the COLA will be part of the payment, and you will get it without any issues.
Can I combine SSI with SNAP and other benefits?
People who get SSI often wonder if they can get other benefits on top of this payment, like SNAP (the nutrition assistance program) or other welfare help programs.
The good news is that you can often combine SSI with other help programs. However, there are some rules and restrictions that you should be aware of.
SNAP is a government program that helps families with low incomes buy food. People who get SSI must meet certain income and resource requirements, which vary from state to state, in order to be eligible for SNAP. If you qualify for SSI, you may also be eligible for SNAP, as long as your income does not go over certain limits.
Depending on their financial situation and the rules in their state, some people who get SSI may also be able to get help from other programs, like Medicaid or the Energy Assistance Program.
It is important to know that other benefits, like SNAP, do not have a direct effect on SSI. However, some extra income may change how much SSI you get.
For example, your SSI amount may go down if your income from work or other programs that help you exceeds the limit. It is very important to check with the right agencies about income and resource limits to make sure you will not go over amounts that could affect your eligibility.
Because of this, if you get SSI and want to combine it with other benefits like SNAP, you should find out the rules and requirements for each program so that you can get the most help without putting your SSI at risk.
Read Also :- 10 things to know about SSI payments before 2025 COLA comes
