Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a monthly benefit provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for people who can no longer work because of a disability caused by an illness, accident, or health condition. These benefits help cover part of their financial needs when they can’t earn an income anymore.
In May 2025, SSDI payments will follow a schedule based on each beneficiary’s birth date, just like other Social Security payments. Knowing when your money will arrive can help you plan your month better.
SSDI Payment Dates for May 2025
If you receive SSDI benefits, your payment date depends on your date of birth. Here’s the full list of dates when SSDI payments will be made in May 2025:
| Date | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|
| May 2 | People who live outside the U.S., receive both SSI and SSDI, have state-paid Medicare, or applied before May 1997. |
| May 14 | Those born between the 1st and 10th of any month. |
| May 21 | Those born between the 11th and 20th. |
| May 28 | Those born between the 21st and 31st. |
All payments are made through direct deposit, so your money should appear in your account on the above dates. If your payment doesn’t show up within three business days, contact the SSA by phone, online at ssa.gov, or by visiting a local office.
Who Qualifies for SSDI in 2025?
To qualify for SSDI benefits, applicants must meet both work and medical conditions set by the SSA:
Work Requirements
You must have at least 40 work credits, which is about 10 years of work. At least 20 credits must be earned in the 10 years before your disability started.
Medical Requirements
The SSA considers a person disabled if they cannot do substantial work for at least one year, or if the condition may lead to death. You’ll need to provide medical evidence, which will be reviewed by SSA doctors. If your claim is denied, you can appeal, but it may take a few months.
To qualify, you must not earn more than $1,620 per month from work in 2025. For blind individuals, the limit is $2,700 per month.
How Much SSDI Can You Get in 2025?
The maximum monthly SSDI payment in 2025 is $4,018, but this amount is only given to people who had high earnings for at least 35 years.
Most SSDI recipients, however, receive around $1,580 per month. This is based on their average income during their 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation.
Also, in 2025, there’s a 2.5% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). This increase helps your SSDI benefits keep up with inflation and rising prices.