The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments come each month—well, almost every month—on the first day of the month. In October 2025, October 1st is a Wednesday, which is a business day, so the payment for that month will be issued on that date without any changes.
But a rule of the Social Security Administration (SSA) states that if the first day of a month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday, the SSI payment is sent on the day before. Since November 1, 2025, is a Saturday, the November payment will be moved to Friday, October 31, 2025.
Double SSI payment in September?
This schedule will mean that people on SSI will get two payments in October: one on the 1st for the current month and one on the 31st, the early November payment. Because of this early payment, no SSI payments will be made during November 2025. SSI benefits change yearly based on cost-of-living changes (COLAs). For 2025, the COLA has been set at 2.5 percent. This change will set the new federal maximum amounts for program beneficiaries.
The federal maximum amount for an individual SSI beneficiary in 2025 is $967. For a couple in which both spouses qualify for the benefit, the federal maximum amount is $1,450. These amounts are the maximum base payment.
Note that these are the maximum amounts at the federal level. The actual payment a person gets may be less after the SSA makes the right reductions based on their income, housing, support received from other people in the house, and their resources.
SSI Application Process
To apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits, applicants must meet specific rules for eligibility. The program is for people with limited income and resources who are also at least 65 years old, blind, or have a disability.
The first step is to see that the rules are met. The person must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien who meets certain rules. Their income and resources must be less than the limits set: no more than $2,000 in resources for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
The paperwork they will need includes government-issued identification, a Social Security number, proof of all income, bank statements, and full medical paperwork if they are applying for disability. This paperwork is needed so the SSA can evaluate if they meet the rules.
How to submit the application
There are three ways to apply for SSI. The online way is through the official SSA portal at SSA.gov. This way is open to those applying because of age or disability. To apply by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY) to make a phone appointment.
To have an in-person interview, the person must make an appointment ahead of time at a local SSA office, which can be found using the office locator at SSA.gov/locator.
