Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) distributes its May 2025 payments based on beneficiaries’ birthdays. Those born between May 1 and 10 received their funds on May 14. Those born between May 11 and 20 received their money on May 21.
The final disbursement, for those born between the 21st and 31st of the month, will be made on May 28, which is actually this week. These dates apply to direct deposit or electronic payments. Beneficiaries with traditional methods, such as physical checks, should allow for additional delivery times.
There are exceptions: Those who live outside the U.S., receive SSI simultaneously, have Medicare premiums covered by their state, or applied for benefits before May 1997 will receive their payments on May 3 or the preceding business day if the date falls on a weekend or holiday.
How you may be eligible for SSDI benefits
To qualify for SSDI, applicants must accumulate at least 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the decade prior to the disability. The medical condition must prevent substantial work activity for at least 12 months or be terminal, according to Social Security Administration’s criteria.
Age is also a determining factor: applicants must be under full retirement age at the onset of disability. This limit varies between 66 and 67 years, depending on the year of birth. Reforms proposed in 2025 seek to streamline procedures for cases of severe disabilities.
The monthly amount is calculated based on the average income during the 35 years of highest earnings, adjusted for inflation. Although the theoretical maximum is $4,018, only beneficiaries with a history of high salaries reach this figure. The actual average is around $1,580. In fact, more than 90% of beneficiaries receive an amount closer to the average than the maximum.
Goodbye checks: SSA to phase out paper payments
Beginning September 30, 2025, physical Social Security checks will be replaced with digital methods, according to an executive order. Options include direct deposits, debit or credit cards, and e-wallets. The measure aims to reduce operating costs and increase transaction security.
Of the 68.5 million monthly payments, only 485,766 are sent by physical mail. The SSA has encouraged the migration to digital formats for years. However, exceptions will be made for people without access to banking technology, subject to a case-by-case assessment.
All beneficiaries still receiving their payments by paper check should update their payment method before it’s too late. They should contact the SSA to switch to electronic payment via bank deposit. There is no additional cost and your payment date will not change.
My SSDI payment is late: What do I do?
If a payment is not received by the expected date, the SSA recommends waiting three additional business days before contacting them. Postal or technical delays are usually resolved within this timeframe. After this period, beneficiaries can call 1-800-772-1213 to initiate an investigation.
The administration notes that “wait times to speak with a representative are typically shorter in the mornings, toward the end of the week, and during the last few days of the month.” Alternatively, you can locate a regional office using the SSA’s online search engine.
If your check has been stolen, you must provide a sworn statement and supporting documentation proving that your paper check was stolen by an unauthorized person.