This week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issued Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments on May 21 for beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month.
Who Received Payments This Week?
Payments were sent to SSDI recipients born between May 11 and 20, following the first group who received theirs on May 14 (birthdays May 1-10).
- Beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997, or those receiving both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), get paid on the 3rd of the month; this month it was May 2 (adjusted due to the weekend).
- SSDI amounts in 2025 range widely: the average monthly payment is $1,976, the maximum is $4,018, and the minimum is $967, all adjusted for a 2.5% cost-of-living increase effective January 2025.
- The actual payment depends on work history, wages, and contributions—not everyone receives the maximum.
Eligibility and Benefit Details
To qualify for SSDI:
- You must earn 40 work credits, with at least 20 credits in the last 10 years before disability. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits depending on their age.
- The disability must significantly limit the ability to work and be expected to last at least a year or result in death.
- SSDI supports those with long-term or terminal impairments that prevent substantial gainful activity.
Can You Get Both SSDI and SSI?
Yes, if your income is low:
- SSI is a need-based program that supplements SSDI if payments fall below SSI limits ($943/month for individuals in 2025).
- Couples may receive up to $1,450 monthly in SSI benefits.
- Recipients eligible for both programs usually receive SSDI on the 3rd of the month and SSI on the 1st. The SSA automatically adjusts payments to avoid overpayment.
Information sourced from:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Official SSA 2025 payment and eligibility guidelines