For many people in the United States who can no longer work due to serious medical issues, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lifeline. It helps them manage basic expenses like food, rent, and medicine. This monthly payment is not just money—it provides peace of mind and helps people live with dignity when they can’t work anymore.
While most rules for SSDI have remained the same, there’s good news for 2025: the monthly payment amount has increased to help keep up with rising prices. Let’s look at what’s changed and what remains the same in May and June 2025.
What Changed in May and June 2025?
The big update is the increase in the maximum SSDI payment. This is due to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) introduced in 2025. The aim of this increase is to help people receiving disability benefits maintain their purchasing power even as prices go up.
Last year, in May and June 2024, the maximum monthly SSDI check was $3,822. Now in 2025, that amount has gone up to $4,018 per month. This is almost $200 more per month, which can be a big relief for people who rely on this money to meet daily needs.
However, not everyone will get the full $4,018. The actual amount a person receives depends on several factors:
- How long they worked before becoming disabled
- How much they earned during their working years
- How much they contributed to the Social Security system
So, while $4,018 is the maximum, most people receive a lower amount based on their work and earnings history.
Requirements for Disability Benefits in 2025
To qualify for SSDI, you need to meet two main types of conditions: health-related and work-related.
Health Conditions
You must have a medical condition that:
- Prevents you from working
- Will last at least one year or is considered terminal
Social Security checks your condition carefully before approving the benefit.
Work History
You also need to have worked long enough and paid into the Social Security system through taxes. Usually, this means:
- You must have 40 work credits
- At least 20 of those credits should be earned in the last 10 years
- Younger workers may need fewer credits, depending on their age
One work credit is usually given for a certain amount of earnings per year, and you can earn up to four credits in one year.
Income Limits for SSDI in 2025
Even after you start getting SSDI, there is a limit to how much you can earn each month. In 2025, these are the limits:
- $1,550 per month for most people
- $2,590 per month for people who are blind
If you earn more than these limits, Social Security may review or stop your payments. This is because SSDI is meant only for those who truly cannot work full-time.
Why SSDI Matters
Social Security Disability is not just for short-term health problems. It’s meant for people who are seriously ill or injured and cannot return to work. Getting approved is not easy because of strict checks, but for many people, SSDI is the support system they need to rebuild their lives.
These benefits help maintain some financial stability and give people a way to focus on their health without the pressure of work.