Who is Eligible for the $484 SSI Benefit in February 2025? Payment Details Inside

In February 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is providing a special $484 SSI benefit for essential persons—those who live with and care for an SSI recipient.

This article outlines the key details of the $484 benefit, including eligibility criteria, payment dates, and the impact of the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).

$484 SSI Benefit in February 2025

Overview of the Benefit

In February 2025, a $484 SSI payment will be issued to eligible individuals providing necessary care to an SSI recipient.

The SSI program is a federal assistance program aimed at helping low-income individuals, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities.

This special SSI benefit is part of a broader effort to support those who care for individuals receiving regular SSI payments.

Key Facts:

Topic	Details
Benefit Amount	$484 (for essential persons)
Payment Date	January 31, 2025 (due to February 1st falling on a weekend)
Eligibility Criteria	Essential persons living with SSI recipients, providing care
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)	2.5% increase in SSI benefits
Official SSA Website	www.ssa.gov

This payment is crucial for individuals who assist SSI recipients with daily tasks and have been doing so for an extended period.

With a 2.5% COLA increase, SSI payments will rise slightly, providing additional financial relief to both the recipients and their essential caregivers.

What Is the $484 SSI Benefit?

The $484 SSI benefit is an additional payment for individuals classified as essential persons by the SSA. These individuals are caregivers who have been residing with and assisting an SSI recipient with essential tasks.

The payment is separate from the regular SSI benefit and is intended to provide financial assistance to those who offer long-term care to an SSI recipient.

Eligibility for Essential Persons

An essential person is someone who meets the following criteria:

• Resides in the same household as the SSI recipient.
• Provides necessary care or services to the recipient.
• Has been living with and assisting the recipient since before January 1, 1974.
• Does not receive SSI benefits themselves.

The $484 benefit is specifically intended for these caregivers, and they must meet the above requirements to be eligible.

Who Qualifies for the $484 SSI Payment?

1. Essential Persons

To qualify for the $484 benefit, the individual must meet the criteria for being an essential person under the SSA’s rules. This includes:

• Living with the SSI recipient.
• Providing necessary care or services to the recipient.
• Being part of the recipient’s household for an extended period (since before January 1, 1974).
• Not being a recipient of SSI benefits themselves.

2. SSI Recipients with Essential Persons

An SSI recipient can qualify for the additional $484 if they have an essential person living with them, assisting with daily activities and providing care.

3. Income and Resource Limits

The essential person’s income and resources are considered when determining eligibility.

• Income must be below the federal SSI income limits, which vary depending on whether the individual is living alone or with a partner.
• Resources must not exceed certain limits that could disqualify the SSI recipient from receiving benefits.

When Will the $484 SSI Payment Be Made?

The SSA follows a strict payment schedule to ensure timely disbursement of benefits. Since February 1, 2025, falls on a weekend, the February SSI payment (including the $484 benefit for essential persons) will be issued on January 31, 2025.

SSI Payment Dates for February 2025

Beneficiary Type	Payment Date
Standard SSI Recipients	February 1, 2025 (Paid on January 31, 2025)
SSI Recipients with Essential Persons	January 31, 2025

How to Apply for the $484 SSI Benefit

If you believe you qualify as an essential person, follow these steps to apply:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)

You can reach out to the SSA in the following ways:

• Visit your local Social Security office.
• Call the SSA helpline at 1-800-772-1213.
• Visit the official SSA website: www.ssa.gov.

2. Provide Required Documentation

To prove your eligibility, you must submit:

• Proof of living arrangements (e.g., rent agreements, utility bills).
• Documentation showing the services provided to the SSI recipient.
• Evidence of residency since before January 1, 1974.

3. Submit an SSI Application (if necessary)

If you are not already registered as an essential person, you may need to complete an SSI application and undergo verification.

What Is the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)?

In 2025, the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for SSI payments will increase by 2.5%. This adjustment applies to all SSI payments, including those for retirement benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

How COLA Affects SSI Benefits:

• Standard SSI Benefits for individuals will increase from $943/month in 2024 to $967/month in 2025.
• For essential persons, the $484/month benefit in 2024 will increase to $484/month in 2025 after the COLA adjustment.

The $484 SSI benefit in February 2025 is a valuable financial aid for essential persons—those who provide long-term care to SSI recipients. With the 2.5% COLA increase and scheduled payments for January 31, 2025, it provides crucial support for caregivers.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, be sure to apply promptly and submit the necessary documentation to ensure you receive the benefit.

FAQs

Who qualifies as an essential person for the $484 SSI benefit?

An essential person is someone who lives with an SSI recipient, provides necessary care, and has been doing so since before January 1, 1974.

When will the $484 SSI benefit be paid in February 2025?

The $484 SSI benefit will be paid on January 31, 2025, since February 1st falls on a weekend.

How do I apply for the $484 SSI benefit?

To apply, visit your local Social Security office, call the SSA helpline at 1-800-772-1213, or visit www.ssa.gov. Be sure to provide documentation of your caregiving role.