Social media users across platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram have been widely sharing claims that a $600 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) bonus is scheduled for September 2025. These reports, often packaged in short viral videos or misleading infographics, have gained traction among beneficiaries hoping for financial relief.
In reality, no such bonus has been authorised by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The persistent rumour appears to be the result of confusion around the routine Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and has been categorically denied by multiple official sources.
No Official Support for a $600 Bonus
The SSA has firmly rejected the claims of an additional one-off payment. In statements issued via the agency’s website and reiterated by the Office of the Inspector General, officials clarified that “any information regarding a current $600 increase is false and should be ignored”. According to the SSA, no legislation or policy change has been introduced that would allow for such a bonus.
The widespread confusion seems to originate from the COLA for 2025, which stands at 2.5%, according to the SSA. This adjustment applies automatically to monthly payments and is intended to keep benefits in line with inflation. For context, someone receiving $2,000 in monthly benefits would see an increase of approximately $47 per month, amounting to $564 over 12 months. This figure has been wrongly cited as a standalone bonus in some online sources.
The SSA’s Office of the Inspector General also issued a scam alert in June 2024, warning the public about fraudulent messages exploiting this misinformation. These scams often attempt to obtain personal information under the false pretext of facilitating the bonus payment.
Real Changes Already Implemented through COLA
While there is no $600 boost, real and measurable changes to SSI payments have already taken place. According to official figures, the federal maximum monthly SSI benefit for 2025 is now:
- $967 for individuals
- $1,450 for couples
- $484 for essential persons
These amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA applied from 31 December 2024, impacting all January 2025 payments and beyond. Beneficiaries were not required to take any action, as the adjustment was applied automatically.
According to the SSA, the COLA is reviewed annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This mechanism ensures that SSI payments retain their real-world value amid changing economic conditions. The agency continues to advise recipients to rely only on official communications and avoid sharing sensitive data in response to online posts or unsolicited messages.
