If you receive Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI), there are still two payments scheduled this month by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal agency in charge of administering these federal funds. Here we tell you the key details about dates, amounts and program requirements for this month.
The amount you receive through SSDI depends on your previous income, since this program is designed to provide financial support tailored to each situation. In December 2024, the average and maximum payments are:
- Overall average pay: $1,537 per month.
- Beneficiaries with blindness: Up to $2,590 per month.
- Maximum possible amount: $3,822 per month.
SSDI payment dates in December
SSDI follows a monthly schedule that distributes payments in an orderly manner based on the beneficiary’s date of birth. The key dates for this month are:
- December 11: For those born between the 1st and 10th of any month and applied for benefits after May 1997.
- December 18: Aimed at those born between the 11th and the 20th.
- December 24: For beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st. This payment is advanced because December 25 is a holiday and the SSA does not send money on holidays or weekends.
December is also the last month in which the 2024 cost of living adjustment (COLA) applies, set at 3.2%. However, starting in January 2025, beneficiaries will receive an additional 2.5% increase, reflecting annual inflation. This new adjustment will remain in force until the end of 2025.
Who will qualify for SSDI benefits in 2025?
Not all people with disabilities are automatically eligible for SSDI. The program establishes specific criteria to determine who can receive these benefits. To qualify, it is necessary to meet the following conditions.
First, demonstrate you have a significant disability: You must demonstrate that you have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to work. This must be medically proven, last at least 12 months or be terminal.
Second, that causes an Inability to work: In addition to not being able to perform your previous job, you need to prove that your disability also prevents you from performing any other significant work activity within the national economy. This is regulated under Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act.
Third, you must have sufficient work history: Another key requirement is having accumulated sufficient work credits through jobs that contribute to Social Security. This generally implies having worked for at least 10 years or having sufficient credits acquired in the last 35 years.
