If you’re a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient or considering applying, 2025 brings some important updates. This October, many SSI beneficiaries may see monthly payments of up to $967 (for individuals) under the latest adjustments.
But who’s eligible, when is the payment made, and will yours be the full amount? Here’s a full breakdown of the $967 SSI checks, eligibility rules, payment timing, and tips to make sure you receive the correct amount.
What Is the $967 SSI Check for October 2025?
The $967 figure refers to the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual in 2025. Starting January 1, 2025, SSI benefits were increased thanks to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
That means:
- For a single eligible individual, the top SSI amount is $967 per month.
- For an eligible couple, the federal maximum is $1,450 per month.
- There is also a rate of $484 for an “essential person” in certain living arrangements.
This increase is not limited to October — it applies to all months in 2025. If you saw “$967 SSI check in October,” it means that month’s payment will reflect the new maximum for eligible individuals.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies for SSI in 2025?
To be eligible for SSI and possibly receive the $967 maximum, you must satisfy several requirements:
- Residency & Citizenship
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet certain non-citizen qualifications
- Reside in one of the 50 states, DC, or the Northern Mariana Islands
- Age, Disability, or Blindness
- Be 65 or older, or
- Blind, or
- Have a qualifying disability
- Income & Resources Limits
- Countable income (earned + unearned) must be low enough so that after deductions, SSI still pays something.
- Resource cap: Assets you own must be under $2,000 for an individual, or under $3,000 for a couple.
- Not everyone receives the maximum payment — many receive lower amounts once income, state supplements, living arrangement, or deductions are factored in.
- Living Arrangements & Deductions
- Where you live (alone, with others, in an institution) affects adjustment for food/shelter costs.
- Some income is excluded or partially counted in the calculation.
If you meet all tests, you may qualify for SSI, though you might not receive the full $967 if any deductions or income reductions apply.
Payment Timing & Schedule for SSI
Here’s how and when SSI payments typically work:
- Payment date: SSI payments are generally made on the first day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment is moved to the last business day of the preceding month.
- October 2025 payment: The October SSI payment is scheduled for October 1 (or the adjusted business day if 1 is a weekend).
- Occasional “two payments in one month”: Because of calendar quirks (e.g., a holiday or weekend), some months may see two payments. For example, beneficiaries sometimes receive an advance for the next month’s SSI when that month’s first day is not a business day.
How Payment Is Calculated & Why You May Get Less
Even though the federal maximum is $967, many recipients receive less than the full amount. Below is a simplified outline of how your actual SSI check is derived:
- Start with federal maximum (e.g. $967 for individual).
- Subtract countable income (earned, unearned) using SSI rules (some income excluded, some counted partially).
- Apply state supplement, if your state provides one, which can add extra beyond the federal amount.
- Adjust for living arrangement (if someone else provides food or shelter, etc.).
Here’s a table summarizing basic amounts and how deductions may come in:
Category / Scenario | Details / Amounts |
---|---|
Federal maximum (individual) | $967 per month for 2025 |
Federal maximum (couple) | $1,450 per month |
Living arrangement rate | $484 for an “essential person” scenario |
Weekend/holiday adjustment | Payment moved to previous business day |
Income deductions | Countable income reduces your check |
Thus, not everyone will see exactly $967 — your specific income, state rules, and living arrangement matter.
Recent Changes & Considerations for 2025
- The 2.5% COLA increase was applied to 2025 SSI payments, raising the federal rate from $943 to $967 for individuals.
- The SSA no longer issues paper checks for many benefits; recipients must have direct deposit or a Direct Express card.
- State supplementation programs differ widely — in states where there is no supplement, you’ll just receive the federal rate; in others, you may get additional amounts.
- Any changes in your income or living arrangement must be reported promptly, or your benefit payment may be adjusted retroactively.
The $967 SSI check for October 2025 reflects the updated 2025 maximum federal benefit for individuals, following a 2.5% COLA increase.
While this sum represents the top SSI payment, many recipients will receive a lower amount depending on income, living arrangements, and state supplements. Payments are scheduled for the first of each month, with adjustments if that day is a weekend or holiday.
FAQs
Will everyone eligible get the full $967 SSI check?
No. While $967 is the maximum federal amount for an individual in 2025, your actual payment may be lower after deductions for income, living arrangements, and state supplement rules.
Do I need to apply again to receive SSI in October 2025?
If you’re already an eligible SSI recipient and remain qualified, there’s no need to reapply — the new rate is applied automatically.
Why might I see two SSI payments in October?
Due to scheduling quirks (e.g. October 1 falling on a weekend), some months result in two payments — e.g. one at the end of September for October, and one in early October.