How to Avoid the Process and Maintain Your Social Security SSDI Benefits in 2025

Getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not easy—but keeping it can also be tricky. If you’re one of the millions of Americans receiving SSDI, you know the approval process is long, but many people don’t realize that even after approval, there are rules you must follow to continue receiving your payments on time.

Any small mistake or delay in updating your personal details or financial changes can lead to late payments or suspension of your benefits. To help you stay on track, here are five important tips to follow this year.

1. Keep Your Personal Information Updated

If you change your address, phone number, or legal name, you must update it with the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately. If SSA can’t contact you, your payments could be delayed or even stopped.

What to do: Log in to your mySocialSecurity account or call the SSA to update your details.

2. Don’t Earn More Than Allowed

In 2025, the SSA allows limited income if you’re on SSDI:

$1,620/month for non-blind individuals
$2,700/month if legally blind

Even if you earn slightly more, or your spouse gets a raise, it could affect your eligibility. SSA checks your income with the IRS, so you must report any new income honestly—even from part-time jobs or freelance work.

3. Working Too Much Can Be a Risk

Even if you earn within limits, working too many hours or doing work with high responsibility may be considered “substantial gainful activity (SGA).” If SSA decides your work shows you’re no longer disabled, they could stop your benefits.

Tip: Keep track of your work hours, roles, and income. If your employer offers more hours or a new job role, consult a benefits advisor first.

4. Notify SSA If You Change Banks

If you switch bank accounts, make sure to inform SSA right away. If your direct deposit fails, they may freeze all future payments until your details are corrected.

How to fix it:
Update your bank details through mySocialSecurity or by calling SSA.

5. Update Representative Payee Information

If someone else helps manage your SSDI money (like a family member or caregiver), SSA must know. This person is called a representative payee.

If this person changes or you want to manage your money yourself, you must inform the SSA. If not, payments may be paused until the situation is verified.