Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is subject to specific rules for 2025, following the Social Security Administration (SSA) regulations that apply to this and other programs, such as retirement benefits.
We need to explain one very important and basic point: there is no minimum age for admission to SSDI benefits; applicants must be under full retirement age, which varies between 66 and 67 depending on the year of birth. “The benefits turn to retirement benefits upon reaching the beneficiary’s retirement age,” a spokesperson explained on behalf of the SSA.
How Social Security credits shape your SSDI benefits
Social Security credits are critical in determining whether a person is eligible for certain benefits. In 2025, one credit is awarded for every $1,810 earned, with a maximum of four credits per year, equivalent to $7,240 annually.
The number of credits required depends on the age at which the person becomes disabled. For example, at least six credits are needed if the person is under 28 years old, and up to 40 credits if they are 62 or older. Additionally, if the applicant is 31 or older, they are required to have earned at least 20 credits during the past 10 years.
other requirements needed by age to access SSDI
This amount applies to those with the highest incomes under Social Security. The adjustments will be made in January, so no changes are expected until 2026, according to official data.
Full retirement age determines when SSDI benefits transition to retirement. For those born in 1958, it is 66 years and 2 months; for those born in 1959, it is 66 years and 4 months, escalating to 67 years for those born in 1962 and later. “It doesn’t matter when you start SSDI; upon reaching that age, the benefit is automatically recalculated,” detailed the same spokesperson.
Those who meet the work requirements can access SSDI at any age. However, the disability must prevent “substantially gainful activity” and last at least one year or be terminal. The SSA evaluates medical and employment histories to approve applications, a process that often takes months.
The program has no lower age limit, but young people under 22 must demonstrate that their disability began before age 22 and that a parent is receiving retirement benefits or has died after contributing sufficiently. This subgroup is eligible under disability benefits for adult children.
The maximum SSDI benefit in May and June 2025 is $4,018 per month.
The work duration test defines credits based on the age at which disability becomes available. For example, at age 40, 18 credits (4.5 years of work) are required, while at age 62, 40 credits (10 years). The official table shows progressive increases, ensuring sufficient contributions to the system.
The recent employment test complements the above. Those over 31 need 20 credits in the last 10 years; those between 24 and 31, credits equivalent to half the time since age 21. Those under 24 require six credits in three years. “This guarantees recent employment,” states an SSA document.
In 2025, earning Social Security credits requires a minimum income of $1,810 per credit. Self-employed workers and formal employees accumulate the same amount, but must pay the corresponding taxes. Those who do not reach the required annual amounts do not qualify, regardless of their medical condition.
The maximum benefit of $4,018 applies to those who earned high salaries for 35 years. This calculation uses the average indexed earnings, discounting the five years of lowest earnings. “It’s a system designed to reflect lifetime contributions,” explains a social policy analyst.
The three payment dates for May are:
- Wednesday, May 14: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- Wednesday, May 21: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month
- Wednesday, May 28: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month
The three payment dates for June are:
- Wednesday, June 11: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- Wednesday, June 18: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month
- Wednesday, June 25: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month
In May and June 2025, no increases are scheduled. Payments are distributed based on birthdate: second, third, or fourth Wednesdays. Although the amount is stable, changes in the beneficiary’s situation (such as additional income) may alter payments, requiring immediate notification to the SSA.
For those receiving benefits before June 1997, the payment arrived on May 2nd, ahead of the 3rd, which was a Saturday. And for those receiving these payments in June, the payment date is on the 3rd (no change).
