The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing to release important monthly benefits to millions of Americans, including retirees, disabled workers receiving SSDI benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
While retirees and those with SSDI benefits receive payments based on their birthdates, SSI beneficiaries receive their payments earlier in the month. This crucial group—comprising low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities—receives priority and is paid in the first few days of each month, regardless of their birthday.
Upcoming SSI Payment Dates
The SSA follows a well-organized payment schedule, which was established in May 1997 to help streamline the distribution of benefits and prevent overwhelming their systems. Here’s the breakdown:
Days 1-3 of each month: SSI payments are issued. These payments also include those for retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997 and pension beneficiaries living abroad.
Second Wednesday: Beneficiaries (retirees or SSDI recipients) born from the 1st to the 10th of the month will receive their payments.
Third Wednesday: Beneficiaries born from the 11th to the 20th of the month will receive their payments.
Fourth Wednesday: Beneficiaries born from the 21st to the 31st will receive their payments.
If the scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA ensures that the payment is advanced to the previous business day to avoid delays.
How Much Are SSI Payments?
SSI payments are designed as a safety net for individuals who are unable to work due to age or disability and have limited financial resources.
SSI recipients: The average monthly payment is $967 for individuals and up to $1,450 for couples filing jointly. These amounts are meant to help cover essential needs, such as food and housing.
Retirees: The average monthly payment for retirees is about $1,976, and for couples, it can be as high as $3,089. The exact amount depends on factors like years of contributions and the individual’s retirement age.
SSI Payment Dates for July
If you receive Social Security benefits along with SSI, here are the upcoming payment dates:
For beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th: Payments were made on Wednesday, July 9th (with an average payment of nearly $2,000 for retirees/SSDI recipients).
For beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th: Payments will be made on Wednesday, July 16th.
For beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st: Payments will be made on Wednesday, July 23rd.
Who Is Eligible for SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program managed by the SSA designed to assist individuals with extremely low income and resources. To qualify for SSI, applicants must meet certain age, disability, or blindness requirements:
Age: Adults aged 65 or older.
Disability: Individuals with medically verifiable disabilities or severe functional limitations that prevent them from working and are expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Blindness: Individuals who are blind, including children with significant disabilities.
Eligibility for SSI is also contingent upon financial need, with strict income and resource limits:
$2,000 for individuals
$3,000 for couples (in 2025)
Certain assets, like your primary home or an essential vehicle, are not considered when determining eligibility.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens and reside in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands.
Eligibility for SSI is periodically re-evaluated to ensure that assistance is provided to individuals who truly face economic hardship due to age, blindness, or disability.
