A defined group of people with disabilities will receive their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits this week. This program, funded by FICA taxes, provides monthly income to workers whose physical or mental condition prevents them from maintaining regular employment.
Payments are made according to dates established by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal agency that coordinates payments for American and legally residing retirees, disabled workers, and their relatives.
How does the SSA organizes the payments?
The distribution depends on the beneficiary’s date of birth. Those born between the 1st and 10th receive their payment on the second Wednesday of the month. Those born between the 11th and 20th receive their payment on the third Wednesday.
Now, for disabled workers whose birthdays are between the 21st and 31st receive their payment on the fourth Wednesday. This week corresponds to one of those groups.
Recipients are previously insured FICA workers who are deemed totally unfit for regular employment. Data from April 2024 indicate that approximately 7.3 million people receive SSDI disability benefits. This figure excludes dependent family members who also qualify for payments.
The four SSDI payment dates
First, there are three payment dates, which correspond to the majority of beneficiaries and are those who claimed benefits after May 1997:
- Wednesday, June 11, 2025: for those born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- Wednesday, June 18, 2025: for those born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- Wednesday, June 25, 2025: for those born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
- There is one exception: beneficiaries approved before May 1997 always receive their payment on the third Wednesday of the month. This criterion determines which specific group receives funds that week. The SSA does not change these dates, except for federal holidays.
Who are SSDI beneficiaries in the United States?
Among the beneficiaries, approximately 8.2 million are active, non-retired disabled workers. The remainder include eligible adult children with disabilities or spouses. They can receive up to 50% of the base amount calculated for the primary insured worker.
Payments are calculated using Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). This indicator weighs the beneficiary’s historical earnings. By 2025, the individual monthly maximum reaches $4,018 after a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment. The average benefit is around $1,537 per month.
Relatives of beneficiaries can access SSDI benefits
Family members may receive supplemental payments. The total amount per household ranges from 150% to 180% of the worker’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). Typical families receive averages of approximately $2,720 per month combined. These amounts depend on their tax history.
Funds arrive via direct deposit into bank accounts or on the Direct Express card. In case of delays, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before contacting the bank or filing a claim. If physical checks are used, payment will be reflected on the business day closest to the assigned Wednesday.
After 24 months of the first SSDI payment, beneficiaries automatically gain access to Medicare. This includes Parts A (hospitalization) and B (medical), plus drug coverage. Eligibility is maintained as long as the disabling condition persists.
SSDI also helps you return to work after disability.
Beneficiaries can enroll in “Ticket to Work,” an initiative that facilitates a gradual return to work without immediately losing benefits. This program offers vocational guidance, training, and job search support. Participation is voluntary and free of charge.
The SSA allows trial work periods without automatic suspension of payments. For nine months, work income does not affect SSDI benefits. After this period, eligibility is re-evaluated based on gross monthly earnings.
Beneficiaries must report changes in their medical condition or income to the SSA. Failure to do so may result in overpayments and subsequent reimbursement requests. Official channels allow for updating information online, by phone, or in offices.
