Ready to plan your month? Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments will arrive in May 2025, but not to everyone on the same day. If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th, the money will be in your account on May 14. Those born from the 11th to the 20th will receive their payment on the 21st, and those from the 21st to the 31st will have to wait until the 28th. Simple, right? This way the SSA avoids congestion and we all breathe easy.
Speaking of numbers, the maximum amount you could receive rose to $4,018 a month, up from $3,822 a year ago. This increase is due to the 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA), designed to maintain purchasing power in the face of inflation.
Of course, don’t get too excited: the average payment is still around $1,580 per month, although any increase is always good. Do you want to know your exact amount? You can check it in your mySocial Security account or use online calculators like those from Atticus.
Who qualifies to receive SSDI payments in May 2025
It’s not just for disabled workers. If you meet the requirements, your family could also benefit. We are talking about spouses and children, who can receive up to 50% or 75% of your payment, respectively.
For all of this, there are clear rules: you have to have worked in jobs that pay Social Security taxes and accumulate enough “work credits” (such as years of contributions). Additionally, your medical condition must prevent you from working permanently or for at least one year.
What if you have another pension or worked in the public sector? Careful. The new Social Security Fairness Act could affect your payments if you receive benefits from jobs not covered by the system, such as certain government positions. Although these changes are aimed more at retirement pensions, it is better to be careful if you combine SSDI with other income.
To qualify, it is not enough to just be disabled. The SSA evaluates whether you can generate more than $1,550 per month (the limit for 2025). If you exceed that figure, even temporarily, your benefits could be suspended. Also check your work credits: if you are 31 years old or older, you need at least 20 credits accumulated in the last decade. Younger people require less, but must still demonstrate a consistent track record.
Legal changes that concern you if you receive SSDI payments
The Social Security Fairness Act is not just a change that affects disability beneficiaries. Starting in 2024, it adjusts how benefits are calculated for public employees such as teachers or police officers, eliminating unfair cuts due to external pensions. Although it affects retirees more, if you are on SSDI and have another pension, you could see an increase in your payments starting in April 2025. Of course, the SSA will notify you by mail with details, although the money could arrive before the letter.
If you have questions, consult the Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart for 2025 or the official payment schedule. There is all the updated information, without detours. And remember: conditions are reviewed periodically, so keep your medical documents up to date to avoid surprises.