This week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributed payments to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries. These payments, made on May 21, are for those whose birthdays fall between May 11th and 20th. Payments were already made earlier in the month (May 14th) for those whose birthdays are between May 1st and 10th.
However, exceptions apply to specific groups:
- Beneficiaries who began receiving SSDI benefits before May 1997, or
- Those receiving both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
These groups receive their payments on the 3rd of each month. For May 2025, the payments were made on May 2nd because the SSA does not send payments on weekends or holidays.
2025 SSDI Payment Amounts
The amounts SSDI beneficiaries receive vary depending on several factors, including their work history and contributions. Here’s an overview of the SSDI payment amounts for 2025:
- Maximum monthly benefit: $4,018 (for those meeting income requirements)
- Average monthly benefit: $1,976
- Minimum monthly benefit: $967
All these figures already include the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which began in January 2025. The COLA adjustment is designed to maintain purchasing power for beneficiaries in light of rising costs for goods and services.
It’s important to note that these amounts are based on individual work history and previous wages, so not all beneficiaries will qualify for the maximum amount.
SSDI Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for SSDI benefits, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- 40 work credits are required, with 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
- Younger workers may require fewer credits, depending on their age when the disability began.
- The disability must limit the person’s ability to perform substantial gainful activities, and the condition must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
The SSA uses medical evaluations to assess the severity of the condition and verify whether it qualifies under the SSDI eligibility requirements.
Combining SSDI and SSI
Can you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) along with SSDI? Yes, you can, but only if your income is limited.
How does it work?
- If your SSDI benefits are below a certain income threshold, you might be eligible for an additional SSI supplement.
- The SSA considers SSDI as income, and if your monthly SSDI amount does not exceed the SSI limits, the SSA will supplement it with an additional payment.
In 2025:
- SSI limit for individuals: $943 per month
- SSI limit for couples: $1,450 per month
Payment Schedule
- SSDI payments: Made on the 3rd of each month.
- SSI payments: Made on the 1st of each month.
The SSA ensures that there are automatic adjustments in the payment system to avoid duplication or errors in the amounts disbursed to individuals eligible for both SSDI and SSI.
Conclusion
SSDI payments in May 2025, combined with the SSI program for those eligible, continue to provide essential support to millions of individuals with disabilities. Beneficiaries should keep track of payment schedules and understand how both programs can work together to provide financial relief based on their unique circumstances.