In May 2025, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive a second payment — not as a bonus, but due to a scheduling adjustment by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This happens occasionally when the first day of the following month falls on a weekend or holiday. In this case, June 1 lands on a Sunday, so the June SSI payments are being moved up to Friday, May 30.
This means eligible individuals may see two SSI deposits in May: the regular one on May 1, and another on May 30. However, it’s important to remember that this early deposit is simply the June payment arriving ahead of time, not an extra benefit. The maximum monthly payment in 2025 is set at $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, although the actual amount varies based on income, resources, and living arrangements.
SSI is a federal program aimed at helping low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities or blindness. It’s different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which requires a work history. SSI focuses strictly on financial need, offering vital support to those who may not qualify for other federal benefits due to limited work history or income.
Why SSI Recipients Are Getting a Second Payment in May
The SSA reschedules payments a few times a year when the usual date falls on a weekend or federal holiday. Since banks don’t process transactions on non-business days, the SSA issues payments on the last weekday before. That’s the case in May 2025 — with June 1 landing on a Sunday, SSI recipients will get their June payments early, on Friday, May 30.
Note: This is not a bonus or additional payment. It’s simply the regular June benefit arriving earlier than usual.
SSI Payment Amounts for 2025
The SSI program provides monthly financial assistance to:
- People aged 65 and older
- Individuals who are blind
- Those with qualifying disabilities
- People with low or no income and limited resources
For 2025, the maximum monthly payment is:
Category | Monthly Maximum |
---|---|
Individuals | $967 |
Married Couples | $1,450 |
These amounts are adjusted yearly based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). However, the exact payment each person receives depends on their income, assets, and whether they live independently or with others.
Who Qualifies for SSI?
To be eligible for SSI, a person must meet certain income and resource requirements. Here’s a general outline of the key conditions:
- Must be at least 65 years old or have a disability or blindness
- Must have limited income (including Social Security or pensions)
- Must have few resources (less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples in bank accounts, property, etc.)
- Must reside in the U.S. or its territories
People already receiving Social Security retirement benefits may still qualify for SSI if their monthly income is low and their resources are limited. This combined support can help reduce the risk of poverty or food insecurity, especially for older adults on small fixed incomes.
How SSI Differs from SSDI
While both SSI and SSDI are federal programs managed by the SSA, they serve different purposes and have different eligibility rules:
Feature | SSI | SSDI |
---|---|---|
Based On | Financial need | Work history and contributions |
Requires Work History? | No | Yes |
Monthly Benefit Cap | Up to $967 (individuals), $1,450 (couples) | Up to $4,018 (for high-earning disabled workers) |
Can You Get Both? | Yes, if eligible | Yes, but total benefit is limited |
SSDI supports individuals who have a qualifying disability and a history of contributing to Social Security through payroll taxes. In contrast, SSI is available to people regardless of their work history, as long as they meet the financial criteria.
If you’re receiving SSI, be prepared for two payments in May — one on the 1st and another on the 30th. Just remember: that second payment is for June, not a bonus. Understanding the difference between early payments and extra payments helps avoid confusion and ensures proper budgeting.
For anyone with low income, few resources, and either a disability or advanced age, SSI can provide crucial monthly support. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how your income may affect your payments, consider contacting the SSA or visiting their official website for more guidance.