Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly financial help to people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. As May 2025 begins, SSDI beneficiaries are preparing to receive their payments. The good news is that the payment process is simple, and most people will get their money on time this month.
When Will SSDI Payments Be Made in May 2025?
SSDI payments are sent out in three groups each month, depending on the beneficiary’s date of birth. This system has been in place since 1997 and helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) send payments smoothly.
For May 2025, SSDI payments will be made on the following Wednesdays:
- May 14 – for people born between the 1st and 10th
- May 21 – for those born from the 11th to 20th
- May 28 – for birthdays between the 21st and 31st
There is one exception: If someone started receiving benefits before May 1997, they get their payment on the 3rd of every month, regardless of their birthday.
How Much Will You Get?
The monthly SSDI amount depends on your work history and how much you earned before becoming disabled. SSA uses a formula based on your Indexed Average Monthly Earnings (AIME), and adjusts it every year for inflation.
In 2025, thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the payment values are:
- Maximum SSDI benefit: $4,018/month – this is for people who had the highest taxable income for at least 35 years and retired at full retirement age.
- Average SSDI benefit: $1,580/month – most people receive this amount or less.
Fewer than 10% of SSDI recipients qualify for the maximum payment.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on SSDI Benefits?
It depends where you live. In 2025, most states do not tax SSDI benefits, but 13 states do, and they are:
Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Each of these states has different tax rules. For example:
- In Colorado, if you’re 65 or older, you can deduct all of your taxable Social Security income.
- If you’re between 55 and 64, you can deduct up to $20,000 of retirement income.
Whether or not you owe taxes also depends on your adjusted gross income (AGI), age, and marital status. Some states offer tax exemptions or deductions if your income is below a certain level.
On the other hand, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—a different program for people with low income or limited resources—is never taxed by any state.
If you’re unsure about your situation, it’s best to check with your state tax authority or your local Social Security office.
Can SSDI Recipients Also Get Social Security Retirement?
Yes, but only after reaching retirement age. When you reach full retirement age (usually 66 or 67), your SSDI benefits automatically convert into retirement benefits. The payment amount usually stays the same.
Keep in mind, some states also tax Social Security retirement benefits, so it’s wise to check the rules in your state.