Many people who receive disability benefits in the United States are set to receive their next payments soon. This includes those who get money from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Veterans Affairs (VA). While some SSDI recipients will get their payment on March 26, those who depend on VA benefits will receive theirs on April 1.
But that’s not all. Starting in April 2025, a new rule will require all Social Security recipients to verify their identity in person at SSA offices. This move, announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is meant to prevent fraud and reduce fake payments.
Let’s break down who gets what, when, and what the new identity rule means for millions of Americans.
SSDI Payment Date for March 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that the final SSDI payment for March will be made on March 26. But not everyone is eligible for this date. Only those who:
- Were born between the 21st and 31st of any month
- Started receiving benefits after May 1997
will get their payments on this day. Others will get their money based on their birth dates and when they began receiving benefits.
VA Benefits and SSI Payment Date: April 1
Those who receive VA disability benefits will get their money on April 1, 2025, along with people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is the normal schedule for these programs, which pay on the first business day of each month.
VA benefits are for veterans, spouses, children, parents of dependent veterans, and survivors. Once your application is approved, you don’t need to meet any more deadlines or extra conditions each month.
Maximum SSDI and VA Payment Amounts in 2025
For 2025, the maximum SSDI monthly payment is $4,018, but this is only for people who qualify based on their work history and earnings. Most people receive less than this.
As for VA benefits, the highest possible amount is $3,831.30 per month. The exact amount depends on your situation, including how many dependents you have (like a spouse or children), and if you care for elderly parents.
New In-Person Identity Verification Starting April
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is a new in-person identity verification rule for all Social Security programs—SSDI, SSI, and retirement benefits. Starting in April, everyone must go to a local Social Security office to prove their identity in person.
This rule replaces the old method, where you could verify yourself online. The change was introduced by DOGE, led by Donald Trump, and supported by Elon Musk. It’s meant to reduce fraud after audits showed that payments were going out in the names of people who had already died.
If you don’t complete the in-person identity check before the deadline, your payments will be suspended. This rule applies to everyone—new applicants and current beneficiaries—with no exceptions based on age or where you live.
Some groups, like AARP, have raised concerns. They say this rule could be hard for elderly people or those living in rural areas, who may find it difficult to travel to Social Security offices.