Good news for those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)! The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that monthly SSDI payments will increase in May 2025. This change will help millions of people who depend on these benefits to cover their daily needs. If you or someone you know gets SSDI, it’s important to know when the payment will come and how much it might be.
SSDI Payments Will Be Higher in 2025
At the end of 2024, the SSA announced a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for SSDI payments. This increase started at the beginning of 2025 and will last until December. So, the money people get each month has gone up slightly to help cover rising costs due to inflation.
In April 2025, the last SSDI payments were made on April 23. These payments were based on the person’s date of birth, and the same rule will apply for May 2025 as well.
When Will SSDI Payments Be Made in May 2025?
The SSA has confirmed the May 2025 payment schedule. SSDI payments are sent out on different Wednesdays in the month, depending on your birthdate. Here’s how the schedule looks:
Payment Dates by Birthdays
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, your SSDI money will come on May 14.
If your birthday is from the 11th to the 20th, you will get paid on May 21.
If you were born between the 21st and 31st, your deposit will arrive on May 28.
Special Cases: SSI and Long-Term Beneficiaries
Some people get their money earlier. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or you started collecting benefits before 1997, your payment will be made on May 2. Usually, this group gets their payments on the 3rd of each month, but since May 3 falls on a Saturday in 2025, the SSA is sending payments a day early, on a business day.
How Will You Get Paid?
The SSA offers two main ways to receive your money. You can choose to get a direct deposit to your bank account, which is the fastest and safest option. Or, you can receive a paper check by mail, but the SSA warns this might be slower or risky due to delays, theft, or loss during postal delivery.
How Much Money Will You Get?
The highest possible SSDI payment in 2025 is $4,018 per month. This is more than 2024’s maximum, which was $3,822. The increase is mostly due to the 2.5% COLA adjustment. However, most people do not receive the maximum amount.
As of January 2025, the average SSDI benefit was around $1,580 per month. So in May 2025, most people can expect to receive between $1,500 and $1,600, depending on their work history, earnings, and when they started claiming benefits.
Number of SSDI Recipients Growing
At the end of 2024, about 9.1 million people were receiving SSDI. This number may go up slightly in 2025, but exact figures are not yet available. New people join the program regularly, while some may stop receiving it due to eligibility reviews.
People who depend on SSDI should mark their calendars based on their birth dates to know when to expect payments. With a small but helpful increase in the monthly amount and clear schedules, it becomes easier for beneficiaries to manage their monthly expenses. It’s also smart to choose direct deposit for faster and safer payments. Keeping track of SSA updates can ensure you always stay informed about what’s coming next.
