There are a few things you can do to get more money from Social Security if your check is not enough to cover your living costs.
A lot of Americans do not know that they might be able to get extra benefits that can really help them live on top of their Social Security payments.
These programs are meant to help people with limited resources, low incomes, and special needs, such as those caused by a disability, old age, or something else.
We will talk about different government programs and benefits that can help you get by financially along with your Social Security payments. These include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), spousal benefits, SNAP, veterans’ benefits, and other state and federal programs.
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is one of the most important programs you may be able to get in addition to Social Security. SSI is a federal program that helps people who are blind, elderly, or disabled and do not have a lot of money or resources.
It gives them monthly payments. Social Security is based on how much you have worked and contributed over the years. SSI, on the other hand, is a need-based program, which means it is only for people who are having a hard time paying their bills.
People aged 65 and up who are eligible for SSI can get a base payment of $575 per month in 2025. To be fair, though, the most any one person can get is $697. You may get less of these payments if you get other benefits, like Social Security.
SSI payments can be a great way to add to your Social Security check if it is lower than usual, especially if your current income is not enough to cover your living costs.
If your Social Security check is low, for example, you can apply for SSI benefits. These will help bring your total monthly income closer to what you need to meet your basic needs. It is important to remember that you can get both SSI and SSDI benefits if you qualify for both.
2. Spousal Benefits
A lot of people do not know that they might be able to get spousal benefits on top of their own Social Security payments. Once a person turns 62, Social Security lets them get up to 50% of their spouse’s retirement or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
It can make a big difference in your family’s overall income, especially if one spouse is making more than the other.
If you are already getting SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits, you should see if you are also eligible for spousal benefits. To be eligible, you and your spouse must both be getting Social Security or SSDI benefits and be at least a certain age.
You may also be able to get spousal benefits if you are caring for a qualifying child under 16 years old. If you are eligible for spousal benefits, you can get extra monthly payments without having to work. This is another way to make the most of your retirement or SSDI benefits.
3. SNAP Benefits
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is another program that can help you get extra money on top of your Social Security or SSDI benefits. SNAP, which is also known as “food stamps,” helps people and families with low incomes buy food.
This can be a good way for seniors and people on SSDI to make sure they have enough money for food without having to spend a lot.
You might be able to get SNAP benefits in 2025 even if you get Social Security or SSDI. An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card can be used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other stores approved by the USDA to receive funds from the program.
With this help, you can get vegetables, dairy, grains, meat, and other basic foods at lower prices, so you can choose a healthy diet without breaking the bank.
To get SNAP benefits, you have to meet certain rules about your income and resources, which can be different in each state. If you get Social Security or SSDI, you might still be able to get SNAP help, but it depends on how much money your whole family makes
4. Veterans Benefits
Additionally, if you are a veteran, you might be able to combine your VA benefits with your Social Security benefits. A lot of veterans get some VA disability benefits, but for some, this may not be enough to cover their costs of living. If that is the case, you should see if you can get extra help from programs like SSI or Social Security.
You can get benefits from both Social Security and the VA at the same time without losing any money from either program.
In some cases, you may even be able to get more help, like extra help for your dependents or health care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You should call either the VA or the Social Security Administration to find out what benefits you can get, since these programs often overlap.
5. State-Specific Programs
Besides federal programs, a lot of states also offer benefits that can be added to Social Security to make it even better. Some states, for example, let people get both Social Security and unemployment benefits at the same time. This can be very helpful if you are having a hard time making ends meet because you lost your job or got a job that does not pay well.
6. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
A federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) helps low-income people who are having a hard time paying their bills by giving them cash. You may also be able to get TANF if you get Social Security benefits and meet the income requirements. Help with this can help pay for many things, like food, utilities, and other important costs.
The TANF program is run at the state level, so each state has its own rules about who can get benefits and how much they can get. If you think you might be eligible for TANF, you should call your local office to find out if you are and how to apply for the benefit.
7. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Another helpful program is the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which helps pregnant women, new moms, and kids younger than five eat better. You might be able to get WIC if you get Social Security or SSDI and have a child who qualifies.
This program helps make sure that you and your kids can get fruits, vegetables, milk, and other basic foods that are good for you.
You may be able to get WIC if you meet certain requirements based on your income and the number of people living in your home. It can be a great way to supplement your Social Security benefits, especially if you have young children.
Conclusion
Getting Social Security benefits can be very helpful, but if you find that they are not enough to cover all of your living costs, there are many other programs that can help you make up the difference.
There are many important programs that can help you get the resources you need to live comfortably, such as SNAP, VA benefits, TANF, WIC, and spousal benefits.
If you get Social Security or SSDI, you should look into all the other benefits you can get to get the most money and improve your quality of life.
To make sure you are getting the benefits you deserve, you should always check with the Social Security Administration, local agencies, and other government programs.
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