This $131 Boost Is About to Hit 90,000 Accounts – Find Out If You’re One of Them!

In an encouraging development for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who are blind, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will see an increase starting on October 1. The new payment schedule brings positive changes for millions of recipients across the United States, with an additional boost of up to $131 expected for more than 90,000 beneficiaries.

Who Will Benefit from the SSI Increase?

The SSA’s update impacts approximately 7.5 million Americans who rely on SSI. This includes not only seniors over the age of 65 but also individuals under 18 who meet the eligibility criteria. These payments are designed to support those with limited income or resources, ensuring they receive financial aid to meet their daily needs. To qualify, recipients must be disabled, blind, or aged 65 and older, with income and resource limits.

While all qualifying recipients will see the new payment on the same date, some may experience a varying increase depending on their individual circumstances. The SSA stresses that “other sources of income or available assets could reduce the payment amount,” leaving the average SSI payment at around $698. Seniors 65 and older, however, typically receive slightly less, averaging about $575 monthly.

Why Are SSI Payments Going Up?

A key factor driving the higher payments this October is a significant policy change by the SSA. Previously, the In-kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) rule reduced payments for individuals who received non-cash support, like food assistance from friends or family. With the elimination of the ISM rule, many recipients who relied on these forms of support will no longer see their SSI reduced, leading to higher payments.

In addition to the removal of the ISM rule, the SSA has also expanded the definition of a public assistance household. This broader definition opens the door for more low-income individuals to qualify for SSI, ultimately ensuring more Americans receive the support they need. This change comes alongside modifications to SSI’s rental subsidy policy, which further benefits a broader group of recipients.

What to Expect in the Coming Months

The October SSI increase is just the beginning of a series of changes expected in the coming year. Although the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will not take effect until December 31, 2024, projections suggest a modest 2.57% increase. For seniors who qualify for the maximum $943 SSI payment, this adjustment would bring their monthly payment to approximately $966.

Married couples can also expect a slight increase in their payments. Currently eligible to receive up to $1,415 in October 2024, they could see that amount rise to around $1,450 following the COLA adjustment in 2025.

How Will the Changes Impact Recipients?

The removal of the ISM rule and expansion of the SSI rental subsidy policy marks a pivotal moment for low-income Americans. These changes ensure that more individuals can maintain eligibility for full SSI payments without facing reductions from external support like food or housing aid.

Recipients who previously saw their payments lowered because of assistance from others will particularly benefit. Additionally, the changes to the rental subsidy policy further extend financial relief to even more recipients, which is especially crucial given rising living costs in many parts of the country.

While the upcoming COLA adjustment will offer additional increases in the coming year, the changes implemented in October will already provide much-needed relief for those struggling to make ends meet on a fixed income.

Final Thoughts

With the Social Security Administration rolling out these changes, the most vulnerable populations—seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited resources—can expect a brighter financial outlook. While challenges remain, the October SSI payment increase, along with the anticipated COLA adjustments, will provide a meaningful boost for those who rely on SSI to cover their basic needs.

As one looks ahead, the ongoing efforts by the SSA to adjust and improve SSI policies highlight the agency’s commitment to protecting the financial well-being of millions of Americans in need. This increase will help ensure that SSI recipients are better equipped to navigate their financial challenges and improve their quality of life.

In the words of the SSA, those who qualify will “remain eligible without violating SSA rules” and “face no reductions in their benefit amount.” For many, these changes offer hope and security as they move forward into the coming year.