In August 2025, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will experience an unusual twist in their payment schedule: two deposits will arrive in the same month. While this may seem like an error, it’s simply a quirk of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) payment process.
The first payment, for August, was issued on August 1 (Friday), as expected. However, a second payment will be made on August 29 (Friday), which actually covers the full September benefit. This advance is necessary because the SSA follows an unbreakable rule: it does not pay benefits in months when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday.
The reason for this double payment is that September 1, 2025, is a federal holiday, Labor Day. As a result, the SSA issues the September payment on the previous business day, August 29. The payment amounts for 2025 reflect the federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is 2.5%. For single beneficiaries, the maximum monthly payment is $967, while couples who both receive SSI can receive up to $1,450.
It’s important to note that the second payment on August 29 is not extra income; it’s your full September benefit delivered earlier. After this, no payment will be made in September, and the next deposit will not be due until October 1, 2025 (Wednesday), corresponding to that month.
To ensure your money lasts through August and September, consider splitting your September payment into two parts: one to cover the end of August and the other for September. It’s also wise to prioritize fixed expenses like rent, medicines, and basic services in September. If you’re concerned about paying bills, contacting banks or suppliers in advance could help ease potential difficulties during this period.
The federal maximum amounts for SSI payments in 2025 ($967 for singles and $1,450 for couples) may vary based on certain factors. For instance, your actual payment could be lower if you have additional income (like a pension or partial salary), receive in-kind support (such as subsidized housing or free food), live in a medical institution, or live in a state that offers local supplements to SSI, such as California or New York. To confirm your exact amount, refer to your benefit notice in My Social Security. If you need assistance, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with your benefit certificate.
Eligibility for SSI in 2025 depends on both financial and non-financial criteria. Applicants must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled (as defined by the SSA), with limited income and resources. Individuals must have income below $2,000 and couples below $3,000. Income includes wages, Social Security benefits, and even free food or shelter, while resources include cash, bank accounts, and valuables (excluding a primary home and one vehicle). Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens (such as lawful permanent residents) and must reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
SSI eligibility also depends on where you live. States like California and New York supplement federal SSI payments, which may increase benefits. However, individuals in institutions (like hospitals or prisons) or those absent from the U.S. for a full calendar month may lose eligibility.
