For millions of Americans, getting Social Security checks is one of the most meaningful and important payments they get. They depend on these checks to meet their needs and enjoy retirement. But there are benefits besides retirement benefits.
These include spousal benefits, benefits from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, and benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). So, if you get Social Security benefits and find that your income is less than you thought it would be, you can apply for more help in 2025 to make up the difference.
Beneficiaries can apply for additional benefits such as SSI, SNAP, and spousal benefits in the US
SSI benefits for low-income Americans and disabled people
You can apply for SSI payments if your Social Security benefits are not enough. These payments are for low-income people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. So, SSI benefits can be very helpful if your Social Security check is below average.
For people aged 65 and up, the basic payment in 2025 will be $575, with a maximum of $697. If you already get other benefits, like SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), your payment will go down.
Spousal and Social Security benefits
A lot of Americans do not know that they might be able to get spousal benefits. You can ask for up to half of your spouse’s retirement or SSDI payments once you turn 62 if you are already getting retirement benefits.
You may also be able to get these benefits if you care for a qualifying child under 16 years old. An employee’s spouse may be able to get retirement benefits based on the employee’s work history if they are at least 62 years old, have a qualifying child under 16 years old, or are getting Social Security disability benefits. When you apply for retirement benefits, this is what you have to do.
Depending on when the spouse retires, the spousal benefit can be up to half of the worker’s main insurance amount. If benefits start before the normal retirement age, the spouse gets less money.
The benefit is not cut down, though, if the spouse is taking care of a qualifying child. If one spouse’s earnings are enough to get a retirement benefit and that benefit is more than the spousal benefit, the spousal benefit is paid. If that does not happen, the spouse benefit will be given.
SNAP benefits to buy nutritious food
SNAP food benefits can help low-income families buy the healthy, nutrient-dense foods they need. You can use an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to buy groceries with SNAP vouchers. This makes them a good option for people who are retired or on SSDI. With SNAP, you can save money on your daily groceries at farmers’ markets and stores that are approved by the USDA.
VA benefits and Social Security benefits
In addition to VA disability benefits, veterans may also be able to get Social Security benefits. If your disability payments are not enough, you might be able to get help from Social Security or SSI.
Remember that people who are actively serving in the US military, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, may be able to get VA benefits while they are serving or after they retire.
Traditional or technical members of the National Guard and Reserve may also be able to get some VA benefits. At your required Transition Assistance Program (TAP) briefing, you will learn about who is eligible and how to apply.
TANF and WIC: Other Assistance Options
Finally, low-income people can get another type of benefit: your state may let you get both unemployment and Social Security payments. You may also be eligible for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), which provide extra help with buying food and money.
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