Social Security Confirms $131 Monthly Increase in SSI Payments for 90,000 Recipients
According to Vibes.okdiario, Seniors over 65, individuals with a disability, or those who are blind are set to receive a new Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment on October 1, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The October payment will be sent to approximately 7.5 million recipients across the United States and may increase by up to $131 for more than 90,000 recipients.
This payment is available to all SSI recipients, including individuals under 18. Recipients of all ages share the same payment date, provided they meet SSI qualifications, which include low income, limited resources, and either being disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old.
Seniors Receiving $943 from SSI on October 1
The SSI program will provide $943 to qualifying seniors who:
- Face no reductions in their benefit amount
- Qualify for the full SSI amount in 2024
- Remain eligible without violating SSA rules
However, it’s likely that other sources of income or available assets could reduce the payment amount. As a result, the average SSI payment is $698, with seniors aged 65 and older receiving an average of $575.
Why October SSI Payments May Be Slightly Higher
Recent changes in the rules governing Supplemental Security Income may result in slightly higher payments for some recipients in October. Notably, the SSA has removed the In-kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) rule, which previously reduced payments for recipients receiving regular food support from others. This change, along with a broader definition of a public assistance household, expands eligibility for SSI benefits to more low-income Americans.
Additionally, the SSA has expanded the SSI rental subsidy policy, which will benefit even more recipients. However, the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will not take effect until December 31, 2024.
COLA Projections and SSI Payments for 2025
The Senior Citizens League projects a modest 2.57% increase in the 2025 COLA. This means that seniors who qualify for the $943 SSI payment could see their benefit rise to approximately $966 in 2025. Married couples, currently eligible to receive up to $1,415 on October 1, 2024, may see their payment increase to around $1,450 after the 2025 COLA adjustment.
