Once again this week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributed payments to another group of SSDI disability beneficiaries on the second Wednesday of the month. These payments are made on May 21st, including those whose birthdays are between the 11th and 20th of any month. Previously, payments were made on May 14th for those whose birthdays are between the 1st and 10th.
Exceptions apply to beneficiaries who began receiving payments before May 1997 or those receiving SSDI along with Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These groups receive their funds on the 3rd of each month. In the case of May, the payment was made on May 2nd because the SSA does not send payments on Saturdays or weekends.
SSDI amounts in 2025: maximums and averages confirmed
SSDI payment amounts vary depending on each individual’s work history and contributions. In 2025, the monthly average is $1,976, while the maximum can reach $4,018 for those who comply with the income requirements. The minimum amount is $967. All of these figures already include the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which began in January 2025.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the increased payments aim to preserve beneficiaries’ purchasing power in the face of rising prices for products and services. The exact amounts depend on individual factors, such as years of work and previous wages, so the maximum amount may not necessarily be the one you qualify for.
SSDI eligibility requirements maintain strict criteria
To qualify for SSDI benefits, 40 work credits are required, with 20 earned in the last decade before the disability. Younger workers may require fewer credits, depending on their age at onset. The regulations prioritize cases with lasting or terminal impairments.
The disability must limit the ability to perform substantial gainful activities. Medical evaluations certify whether the condition will persist for at least a year or cause death. The SSA emphasizes that these criteria aim to ensure support for those facing permanent employment barriers.
You can also receive Supplemental Security Income
Can you receive SSI and SSDI together? Yes, if your income is limited. Learn the requirements and how the SSA calculates the combined amount. This applies when the SSDI amount is considered low according to the SSA’s income standards.
SSI is a need-based program, so it assesses the applicant’s resources and income. If SSDI payments do not exceed the SSI limits ($943 per month for individuals in 2025), the beneficiary may receive a supplement. The maximum SSI benefit for couples is higher, up to $1,450.
Those eligible for both programs typically receive SSDI on the 3rd of the month and SSI on the 1st, according to the standard payment schedule. The SSA makes automatic adjustments to prevent duplication or errors in the amounts disbursed.
