New income and asset limits mean more seniors, disabled adults—and even some low‑income families—now qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help subsidy.
If your medication co‑pays keep getting in the way of rent or groceries, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has good news. The Extra Help program, requested with How the SSA‑1020 form can cut your 2025 prescription costs.
If your medication co‑pays keep getting in the way of rent or groceries, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has good news. The Extra Help program, requested with Form SSA‑1020, lowers or erases Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles and pharmacy co‑pays. For 2025, the financial thresholds went up, so thousands who missed the cut last year may now be eligible. Act soon—every month you wait could leave money on the counter.
Step‑by‑step guide to completing the SSA‑1020 application without costly mistakes
- Gather proof first. Collect bank statements, IRA balances, pension stubs and last year’s tax return before you open the form.
- Choose your filing route. You can apply online at ssa.gov, call 800‑772‑1213, or submit the paper form at any SSA office—pick the option that feels easiest.
- Answer every question. If something doesn’t apply, write “N/A” so the system doesn’t flag the field.
- Double‑check income entries. List gross monthly amounts for wages, benefits, and pensions; rounding errors can delay approval.
- Sign and keep copies. Scan or photocopy the finished form and any receipts—future you will thank present you.
Wondering whether the online version is safe? The SSA’s secure portal lets you stop and restart without losing data, and it issues a confirmation number you can track.
2025 income and resource thresholds you must meet before Extra Help pays your bills
The table below shows the nationwide limits. Alaska and Hawaii residents get slightly higher ceilings.
| 2025 financial limit | Single filer | Married couple |
|---|---|---|
| Annual income cap | $23,475 | $31,725 |
| Countable resources* | $17,600 | $35,130 |
*Resources include savings, stocks, and property that’s not your primary home.
Why do these numbers matter? Stay at or below them and your Part D premium drops to $0, your deductible disappears, and pharmacy co‑pays are capped at about $12.15 for brands and $4.90 for generics in 2025.
Extra tips to make the benefit stretch further this year
- Compare drug plans every fall; the cheapest plan in your ZIP code still costs you nothing under Extra Help, but formularies differ.
- Ask the pharmacist to run claims through your Part D card even before approval—LINET temporary coverage can fill the gap.
- Review eligibility yearly. A small pension bump might push you over the edge, so keep an eye on both income and savings.
Filling out one 10‑page form could save you roughly $6,200 a year—the SSA’s own estimate. So, why keep paying full price at the pharmacy counter? Print the SSA‑1020 or log on today and let Extra Help do what its name promises.