SSI Payments to Hit Accounts Early This Week Amid COLA Adjustments

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Millions of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients across the U.S. will receive their payments this Friday, January 31, a day earlier than usual, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts for weekends and federal holidays. The payments, which typically go out on the first of each month, are part of a system designed to ensure beneficiaries are not financially disadvantaged by calendar quirks.

SSI provides financial assistance to adults and children with disabilities, as well as those who are blind and have little to no income. The SSA clarified in a 2022 blog post that the early payment does not constitute a duplicate and urged recipients to wait three working days before reporting any missing payments.

This year, SSI benefits have seen a modest increase due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The maximum monthly SSI benefit for 2025 has risen to $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, up from $943 and $1,415, respectively, in 2024. However, this 2.5 percent increase is the smallest since 2021 and comes amid persistent inflation in key areas such as housing, food, and services.

Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst, noted, “The 2025 COLA will be the lowest in recent years, even as inflated prices persist on essentials. Despite this, a 2.5 percent adjustment is considered average historically.”

Beneficiaries’ actual payments vary based on factors like income, disability type, and household size. According to the Congressional Research Service, the average federally administered SSI payment in February 2024 was $697.

Looking ahead, the next SSI payment is scheduled for February 28, again a day earlier than usual. Meanwhile, Social Security retirement payments for February will follow a staggered schedule based on beneficiaries’ birthdates. Those born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive payments on February 12, while those born between the 11th and 20th will get theirs on February 19. Retirees born on or after the 21st will receive payments on February 26.

Retirement benefits vary significantly based on when individuals choose to retire. Early retirees at age 62 can receive up to $2,831 monthly, while those delaying retirement until age 70 can collect up to $5,108. The SSA provides an online calculator for beneficiaries to estimate their personalized payments.

Social Security is funded through payroll taxes contributed by employers and employees. However, analysts warn that the program faces long-term financial challenges. Without congressional action, the SSA may be unable to provide full payments to recipients as early as 2034, due to a growing retiree population and a shrinking workforce.