Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will deliver one of its monthly payments on March 19, 2025, corresponding to beneficiaries whose birthdays are between the 11th and 20th of any month. This calendar, in force since 1997, organizes disbursements on three monthly Wednesdays according to the date of birth. Those who received benefits before May 1997 maintain payment on day 3, but this group does not apply for the aforementioned date.
SSDI is a federal program funded through FICA taxes, intended for people with severe disabilities that prevent them from working for at least 12 months or with a terminal prognosis. Unlike SSI, which is based on financial need, SSDI requires a credit-proven work history. In 2025, each credit is equal to $1,810 in income, with a maximum of four annual credits totaling $7,240.
Work credit requirements for SSDI and other things you should know
Credit requirements vary by age: those under 24 years of age need 6 credits in three years; between 24 and 30, credits equivalent to half the time elapsed since age 21; over 30, 20 credits in the last decade. Those over 62 years of age must accumulate 40 credits, with 20 obtained in the 10 years prior to becoming disabled.
The monthly amount is calculated based on the average indexed income (AIME) throughout your working life. In 2025, the average profit is 1,580, while the maximum can reach 4,018. About two-thirds of beneficiaries receive less than average, with typical amounts ranging from 900 to 1,600. This calculation does not take into account the severity of the disability, but rather the previous contributions to the system.
If the beneficiary has dependents, such as a spouse or children, the average family amount rises to $2,800. This data reflects the program’s focus on providing support based on previous financial responsibilities. Additionally, after 24 months of receiving SSDI, eligibility for Medicare, a critical component of health coverage, is activated.
The maximum SSDI benefit for 2025 is $4,018, an amount that is much higher than other Social Security benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is $967 for a single individual and $1,450 for a couple filing jointly.
SSDI Application Process and Waiting Periods
Applications can be made online (ssa.gov), by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at local SSA offices. The process requires detailed medical documentation, including diagnoses that meet SSA Blue Book criteria, and employment records. Approval can take months, and once granted, a five-month waiting period applies before the first payment.
Exceptions to this deadline exist for cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), approved after July 23, 2020, which do not require a wait. Additionally, the program offers work incentives, such as the Trial Work Period (TWP), which allows you to work nine months without losing benefits, and the Extended Eligibility Period, which maintains coverage for 36 months if income does not exceed established thresholds.
