A Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment of up to 967 dollars is scheduled to arrive on Monday, December 1, 2025, for eligible beneficiaries. This amount represents the maximum federal SSI benefit for an individual in 2025 and is part of the regular monthly payment schedule, not a one‑time bonus or special check.
What the 967 dollar SSI payment represents
For 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has set the maximum federal SSI benefit at 967 dollars per month for an eligible individual and 1,450 dollars for an eligible couple. Many recipients, however, receive less than the maximum because the actual amount depends on countable income, living arrangements, and any state supplements.
The average SSI payment is around 718 dollars per month, which means only those with very little or no other income and minimal resources qualify for the full 967 dollars. Some states add their own small cash supplement on top of the federal amount, so total monthly support can be higher than 967 dollars in those locations.
Who qualifies for the December 1 payment
SSI is a needs‑based program for people who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability, and who also have very limited income and resources. In general, an individual must have countable resources below 2,000 dollars (and a couple below 3,000 dollars), not counting certain exclusions like a primary home or one vehicle.
Eligibility for SSI does not depend on your work history or Social Security tax contributions; it is separate from Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits. People who receive both SSI and another Social Security benefit often see their SSI amount reduced because the other benefit counts as income in the SSI formula.
Key 2025 SSI benefit amounts
| Recipient type | Maximum federal SSI monthly benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| Individual | 967 dollars |
| Eligible couple | 1,450 dollars |
| Average SSI payment (all cases) | About 718 dollars |
Why the payment arrives on December 1
SSI payments are normally issued on the first day of each month, so the December 1, 2025 deposit is simply the regular December benefit. In 2025, there is an additional wrinkle: because January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, the January SSI payment will be paid early on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
This means SSI recipients will receive two payments in December—one on December 1 and another on December 31—even though the second deposit counts as the January 2026 benefit. There is no SSI payment on January 1 itself, because the early deposit replaces it.
Income and resource requirements
To qualify for the full 967 dollars, an individual must have little or no countable income, which includes most cash wages, some in‑kind support, and certain other payments. As income goes up, SSI benefits go down, often by 50 cents in benefits for each additional dollar of earned income after certain small exclusions.
Resources such as bank account balances, extra vehicles, or investment accounts can also affect eligibility if they push someone above the 2,000 or 3,000 dollar limits. However, SSA excludes many items, including a primary residence, household goods, and some burial funds, when counting resources.
How state supplements can increase your check
Several states provide their own supplemental payments on top of the federal SSI benefit, which can raise the total monthly amount above 967 dollars for individuals and 1,450 dollars for couples. For example, state programs may add specific amounts for people living alone, in congregate care settings, or in certain regions with higher living costs.
The combined federal and state benefit for an individual living alone in some states can exceed 1,000 dollars per month, with higher totals in certain residential care categories. Eligibility rules and amounts vary by state, so beneficiaries should check with their state human services or social services agency for details.
How to receive and track your payment
Most SSI payments are made by direct deposit into a bank or credit union account, or via the Direct Express prepaid debit card for those without traditional banking. Paper checks are rare and can take several days to arrive, so direct deposit is strongly encouraged for reliability and faster access to funds.
Beneficiaries can review their SSI payment history and upcoming dates through a “my Social Security” online account or by reviewing notices mailed by SSA. If the December 1 payment does not appear on time, SSA advises checking with the bank first and then contacting the agency if it remains missing after a short waiting period.
SOURCE
FAQs
Q1: Who can receive the full 967 dollars on December 1?
Individuals who meet SSI age or disability rules and have very low income and limited resources may qualify for the maximum 967 dollar federal benefit in 2025.
Q2: Why are there two SSI payments in December 2025?
The December 1 payment is for December, and the December 31 payment is the January 2026 benefit paid early because January 1 is a federal holiday.
Q3: Do I need to apply again to get the 967 dollar payment?
No; current eligible SSI recipients are paid automatically, but new applicants must file an SSI claim and meet income, resource, and citizenship or residency requirements.
