Millions of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients depend on their monthly payments to cover essential living expenses. While the maximum federal SSI benefit for 2025 is $967 for individuals, some recipients will receive $696 on February 28, 2025, due to adjustments based on income, living arrangements, and other factors. If you’re wondering whether you will receive this specific payment amount, it’s important to understand how SSI benefits are calculated and how the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines who gets what.
Why Are Some People Receiving $696 Instead of the Full $967?
The SSI program is designed to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled. However, not everyone receives the full federal benefit amount. Several factors can cause a recipient to receive less than the maximum:
- Countable Income: If you have other sources of income (such as part-time work, pensions, or Social Security benefits), the SSA will reduce your SSI payment accordingly.
- Living Arrangements: If you live with someone who provides free housing or food, the SSA may lower your benefit amount.
- State Supplements: Some states add extra money to SSI payments, while others do not. This affects how much recipients receive each month.
- Marriage Status: Couples on SSI receive a combined maximum benefit of $1,450, which is less than two individual payments.
Because of these adjustments, some recipients will receive $696 in February instead of the full $967.
When Will the February SSI Payment Be Sent?
SSI benefits are usually paid on the first day of each month. However, when the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are sent on the preceding business day.
For February 2025, the normal payment date would be February 1. However, since that falls on a Saturday, payments will be deposited on Friday, January 31, 2025.
There is no scheduled SSI payment on February 28, 2025, unless:
- You receive back pay or retroactive benefits from the SSA.
- You qualify for a special adjustment payment due to a prior underpayment.
- Your state supplement is issued separately from your federal SSI payment.
How to Check Your SSI Payment Amount
If you’re unsure how much you’ll receive, you can check your SSI payment details in several ways:
- Log in to Your Social Security Account – Visit SSA.gov and log in to “My Social Security” to view your payment amount.
- Check Your Bank Deposit – If you have direct deposit, your payment should arrive by midnight on the scheduled payment date.
- Call the Social Security Office – You can contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
Final Thoughts: Will You Get $696 in February?
The SSI payment system is complex, and not every recipient will receive the same amount. While the maximum monthly SSI payment in 2025 is $967, many factors—such as income, state supplements, and living arrangements—can reduce that amount. If you see $696 as your scheduled deposit, it means your benefit has been adjusted based on these factors. To stay informed about your payments, regularly check your Social Security account and watch for any changes in eligibility rules or payment schedules. If you believe your SSI amount is incorrect, contact the SSA to review your case and ensure you’re getting the full benefits you’re entitled to.