The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program supports millions of workers whose disabilities prevent them from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), or formal work, to receive payment for their services.
This program is part of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is available nationwide to workers who have paid their Social Security taxes for the minimum required period.
SSDI establishes a maximum monthly benefit of $4,018 through June 2025, and remains unchanged until December. The amount changes in January of each year when this and other SSA programs are subject to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which aims to ensure that beneficiaries do not lose purchasing power due to inflation.
How to access SSDI benefits?
To qualify for SSDI payments and aim for the maximum benefit, a 35-year record with annual income equal to the taxable income threshold is required. In 2025, the threshold is $176,100. Additionally, 40 work credits are required, with a minimum of 20 earned in the last decade. These credits are generated through employment subject to Social Security taxes.
Accumulating work credits requires income of $1,810 per credit in 2025, with a limit of four per year. Those who fail to reach 35 years of contributions see their benefits reduced. Eligibility for any SSDI amount depends on meeting three criteria.
Specifically for the maximum SSDI benefit of $4,018, the requirements are:
- Maximum sustained earnings for 35 years are the second requirement. The Social Security Administration uses the highest earning years to calculate the adjusted monthly average.
- This calculation excludes periods of low income or unemployment. Only taxpayers with salaries at the tax cap receive the full benefit.
- The qualifying disability must prevent “any substantial, gainful activity.”
- The income limit from work is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals.
- The medical condition must persist for at least 12 months or be terminal. Federal evaluators validate the diagnoses submitted.
Work-related credits are the basis for eligibility. They are obtained through formal employment where Social Security taxes are paid. In 2025, every $1,810 of income generates one credit, up to four annually. Self-employed workers can also accumulate them under the same rules.
Employment credits are reviewed through payroll records and tax returns. Periods of less than 35 years reduce the benefit proportionally. Employment not reported to Social Security invalidates potential credits. Self-employed workers must prove payments using Schedule SE forms, which will also be thoroughly reviewed when applying for benefits.
How does the SSA define a “disability” for SSDI purposes?
The definition of severe disability excludes temporary or partially disabling conditions. The Administration verifies the inability to perform previous jobs or adapt to new work. “The condition must completely prevent substantial work activity,” according to the operating manuals. Income thresholds are adjusted annually.
Applicants must submit comprehensive medical evidence supporting their diagnosis. This includes medical records, examination results, and treatment prognoses. Social Security may require additional evaluations with designated physicians. Lack of sufficient documentation will result in immediate denials.
Upcoming SSDI payment dates
In June 2025, SSDI payments follow a calendar based on birthdates. Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th received funds on June 11. Those born between the 11th and 20th received their deposits on June 18. These dates correspond to business Wednesdays.
The last monthly payment will be on June 25 for those born between the 21st and 31st. Those who began receiving benefits before 1997 received payments on June 3. Distribution uses direct deposit or postal checks. Delays may occur due to weekends or bank holidays.
