Extra $943/Month for SSI, SSDI & VA in 2025 – Payment Dates and Eligibility Requirements

With the cost of living climbing steadily, millions of Americans receiving SSI, SSDI, or VA benefits will get a welcome financial bump in 2025. Thanks to the Social Security Administration’s annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), payments are going up—by 2.5%, to be exact. This means more money in your pocket each month, starting in January. Here’s what you need to know about the increased deposits, how much more you’ll receive, when to expect it, and whether you’re eligible.

Increase

Let’s talk numbers. The COLA increase for 2025 stands at 2.5%, and it’s designed to help offset inflation. That might sound small, but when applied across the board to federal assistance programs like SSI, SSDI, and VA benefits, it results in a meaningful difference.

Take Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for instance—if you’re currently receiving the maximum amount of $943 per month, that will jump to $967 in 2025. Couples receiving SSI can expect their combined benefits to rise from $1,415 to $1,510 per month.

SSDI recipients also get a 2.5% boost, although the exact amount varies depending on lifetime earnings. Meanwhile, veterans receiving VA disability or pension benefits will see the same 2.5% increase applied to their monthly compensation.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Benefit Type	2024 Monthly Amount	2025 Monthly Amount
SSI (Individual)	$943	$967
SSI (Couple)	$1,415	$1,510
SSDI (Average)	Varies	+2.5%
VA Benefits	Varies	+2.5%

Schedule

So, when exactly will the money hit your account? Timing is everything when it comes to budgeting, so let’s break down the payment schedules.

SSI: Paid on the first of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, you’ll get your payment the business day before. For instance, the May 2025 payment will land on December 31, 2024, since May 1 is a holiday.

SSDI: These are paid on Wednesdays, but it depends on your birthday:

• Birthdays 1st–10th: 2nd Wednesday
• Birthdays 11th–20th: 3rd Wednesday
• Birthdays 21st–31st: 4th Wednesday
  In May 2025, that means deposits will arrive on May 8, 15, or 22.

VA Benefits: Payments are issued on the first business day of the month. If that day is a holiday or weekend, you’ll get it the previous business day. Like SSI, May 2025’s VA benefits will be deposited on December 31, 2024.

Eligibility

Each program has its own set of rules. Knowing if you qualify is key to claiming these increased benefits.

SSI Eligibility:

• You must be 65+, blind, or disabled.
• Limited income and assets: under $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).
• Must reside in the U.S. and be a citizen or legal resident.

SSDI Eligibility:

• Must have a severe disability that prevents substantial work.
• Need enough work credits based on age.
• Condition must be long-term or expected to result in death.

VA Benefits Eligibility:

• Must have a service-connected disability.
• Some programs (like pensions) require low income.
• Dependents and survivors may qualify for benefits like DIC.

Tracking

Want to double-check when your payment is coming? Or maybe update your bank info? It’s easier than ever with online tools.

• My Social Security Account (SSA.gov): See SSDI and SSI payment schedules, update info, and manage your benefits.
• VA eBenefits Portal (VA.gov): Great for checking VA benefit payment dates and eligibility status.
• Phone Support:
  • SSA: 1-800-772-1213
  • VA: 1-800-827-1000

These tools are your best bet for staying on top of any changes or delays.

Getting an extra $943 per month in 2025 might sound like a dream, but it’s a reality for many beneficiaries. Thanks to the COLA increase, your monthly payments are getting a well-earned raise. Make sure you’re eligible, mark your calendar for deposit dates, and use official websites to keep your details up to date. It’s all about being informed and proactive—your wallet will thank you.

FAQs