Millions of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in the United States will receive their March 2025 payment of $967 earlier than usual, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The direct deposit or paper check will be issued on February 28, 2025, instead of the usual March 1 date.
This shift occurs because March 1 falls on a Saturday, prompting the SSA to process payments on the last business day of February.
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
The SSI program provides monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. The program ensures beneficiaries receive support for basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare.
The maximum monthly SSI benefit in 2025 is:
- $967 for individuals
- $1,450 for eligible couples
- $484 for essential persons (caregivers who qualify under SSA rules)
These figures reflect the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which helps offset inflation and rising living costs.
Why Is the March 2025 SSI Payment Arriving Early?
According to SSA policy, if a regularly scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are sent on the last business day before that date.
- March 1, 2025 (Saturday) → SSI payments will be sent Friday, February 28, 2025
- This change does not affect payment amounts or eligibility
It’s important for recipients to budget accordingly, as their April payment will arrive on April 1, leading to a slightly longer gap between payments.
Who Will Receive the $967 March SSI Payment?
The February 28 payment will be received by:
- SSI beneficiaries who qualify for direct deposit – Funds will be available in bank accounts on the scheduled date.
- Paper check recipients – Checks will be mailed and may take a few extra days to arrive.
- Direct Express cardholders – Payments will be loaded onto Direct Express debit cards for those who use them instead of bank accounts.
How Will This Affect Recipients?
Although the early payment is a routine SSA procedure, recipients should plan their finances carefully, as this means a longer waiting period before the next SSI payment in April 2025.
Financial Planning Tips for SSI Recipients:
Budget for the longer gap – Since the next payment arrives on April 1, ensure that funds last until then.
Check your deposit method – If using Direct Express or direct deposit, confirm your account details are up to date.
Avoid scams – SSA will never call or email asking for personal information regarding your benefits. Report any suspicious messages.
Other Social Security Payments in March 2025
The early March SSI payment does not affect regular Social Security benefits (such as retirement or disability benefits).
Here’s the March 2025 Social Security payment schedule for non-SSI recipients:
- March 13 – Payments for those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- March 20 – Payments for those born between the 11th and 20th
- March 27 – Payments for those born between the 21st and 31st
What Should Recipients Do If They Don’t Receive Their Payment?
If an SSI payment does not arrive on February 28, recipients should:
- Wait at least three business days – Delays can happen with mailed checks or bank processing times.
- Check their SSA account – Visit My Social Security to verify payment status.
- Contact SSA – Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) if payment is missing after a reasonable wait time.
Will the Early March Payment Affect My Annual SSI Benefits?
No. This early payment does not impact the total benefits received for the year. SSI recipients will still get 12 monthly payments in 2025, but the March payment will be issued in February due to SSA’s policy on weekends and holidays.
Final Thoughts
The early disbursement of the March 2025 SSI payment is part of the Social Security Administration’s standard procedure when the first of the month falls on a weekend. While this does not affect the total yearly benefits, recipients should budget accordingly due to the longer gap between the March and April payments.
Key Takeaways:
- $967 SSI payments for March will be deposited on February 28
- This change is due to March 1 falling on a Saturday
- Regular Social Security benefits (retirement, disability) are not affected
- Recipients should plan for the longer gap before the April 1 payment
For more information, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
By staying informed and preparing ahead, SSI beneficiaries can ensure their finances remain stable as they receive their benefits on time and without interruption.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin