The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) payment dates for May 2025. Many people with disabilities who qualify for monthly support through SSDI will receive their benefits based on their birth dates. The first group will start getting deposits in just a few hours.
If you are a recipient, it’s important to know your payment date, the maximum possible amount, and how your benefits may change once you reach full retirement age.
SSDI Payment Dates for May 2025
SSDI payments are made every month, but the exact date depends on when your birthday falls. Here’s the payment schedule for May 2025:
- Born between 1st–10th: Payment on May 14, 2025
- Born between 11th–20th: Payment on May 21, 2025
- Born between 21st–31st: Payment on May 28, 2025
These dates follow the standard SSDI calendar used by the SSA. If your payment is delayed or missing, you should check your status on your my Social Security account or contact SSA directly.
What Is SSDI and Who Can Apply?
SSDI provides monthly payments to people who can no longer work because of a serious medical condition or disability. You must have worked in jobs where you paid Social Security taxes and earned enough work credits to qualify.
If you’re newly disabled and haven’t applied yet, it’s important to submit your SSDI application as soon as possible. The approval process can take time, so acting early helps prevent delays.
The amount of money you get depends on your work history, how much you earned, and your contributions to Social Security. The SSA adjusts payment amounts each year using the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment).
SSDI Amounts in 2025: What’s the Maximum?
In 2025, SSDI payments went up by 2.5%, thanks to the COLA increase. The maximum SSDI amount this year is $4,018 per month. This is an increase of $196 from last year.
But keep in mind, only a small number of beneficiaries get the maximum. Most people receive less, based on their earnings history. The average SSDI payment is much lower but still helps cover basic expenses like rent, medicine, and groceries.
What Happens to SSDI When You Reach Full Retirement Age?
When you reach Full Retirement Age (FRA)—usually between age 66 and 67—your SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits. You don’t need to do anything.
The amount of money usually stays the same during this switch. This is because SSDI is already calculated as if you had reached retirement age at the time of disability. However, there are exceptions.
If your SSDI was being reduced because you also received workers’ compensation or a government disability benefit (from a job that didn’t pay Social Security taxes), these reductions might stop when you reach FRA. That could increase your benefit slightly.
Where to Get Help with SSDI
If you have any doubts or need support, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your nearest SSA office. Staff can help answer your questions, fix issues with payments, or guide you through applying for or updating SSDI benefits.
You can also check your account online using the “my Social Security” portal, which shows your payment history, upcoming dates, and more.