$696 SSI Payment This Month: Are You Receiving the Correct Amount?

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you might have noticed that your February 2025 payment is scheduled for February 28 instead of March 1. But why the change? And what does it mean for those expecting a $696 payment?

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can understand who qualifies, why the date changed, and how your payment amount is determined.

Why Is SSI Paying Out on February 28 Instead of March 1?

Normally, SSI payments are sent on the first of every month. However, when the first falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month.

In this case, March 1, 2025, falls on a Saturday, so the Social Security Administration (SSA) is sending payments one day early, on Friday, February 28, 2025.

This isn’t an extra payment—it’s just an early deposit to ensure beneficiaries receive their money on time.

Why Am I Getting $696 Instead of the Full SSI Payment?

The full federal SSI benefit in 2025 is $967 per month for eligible individuals. However, the amount each person receives varies based on income, living situation, and state supplements.

If your February 28 payment is $696, here’s why your benefit might be lower than the full amount:

1. You Have Additional Income – SSI benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar if you have countable income from other sources, such as part-time work, pensions, or Social Security benefits.
2. You Receive Help with Housing or Food – If someone helps pay your rent or utilities, the SSA may reduce your benefit since you’re considered to have “in-kind support.”
3. You Live with a Spouse Who Has Income – If you’re married and your spouse earns money, your SSI check may be smaller.
4. You Live in a State That Doesn’t Offer Extra SSI Supplements – Some states provide extra money on top of the federal benefit, while others don’t. If you live in a state without a supplement, you may receive only the federal base amount or less.

If you’re unsure why you’re getting $696 instead of $967, you can check your payment breakdown by logging into your My Social Security account at ssa.gov.

Who Qualifies for SSI in 2025?

To be eligible for SSI, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 65, blind, or have a qualifying disability
• Have very limited income and resources (less than $2,000 in assets for individuals, $3,000 for couples)
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
• Live in one of the 50 states, D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands

Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, SSI is a need-based program. That means you don’t need to have worked a certain number of years to qualify—but you do need to meet strict income and asset limits.

When Will You Get Your SSI Payment?

Here’s a quick look at when SSI payments will be sent in early 2025:

• February Payment → Sent on February 1, 2025 (normal date)
• March Payment → Moved up to February 28, 2025 (because March 1 falls on a Saturday)
• April Payment → Sent on April 1, 2025

Important: If you receive SSI and Social Security benefits together, you’ll get your Social Security payment on a different date based on your birthdate.

What to Do If Your SSI Payment Is Delayed

Most SSI payments arrive on time, but if yours is delayed:

1. Wait at least 3 business days – Sometimes bank processing causes minor delays.
2. Check your bank account – If you have direct deposit, make sure there wasn’t a banking issue.
3. Look out for a mail delay – If you receive paper checks, bad weather or postal delays may slow delivery.
4. Contact Social Security – If it’s been more than 3 days and you still haven’t received your payment, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.