If you or someone you know receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in the US, you may be wondering when the next payment is due and who will get it. SSDI helps people who can’t work due to a serious disability, but only those who have worked and paid into the Social Security system can qualify. Here’s everything you need to know about this month’s payments and the requirements.
What Is SSDI and Who Can Get It?
SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. It is a monthly payment from the US government for people who can no longer work because of a medical condition or accident. But you don’t automatically qualify for it. You must have worked for a certain number of years and paid Social Security taxes.
These taxes are tracked through “work credits”. You earn work credits based on your yearly income. Most people need 40 credits to qualify, but younger workers may need fewer credits depending on their age when they become disabled.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need?
The number of work credits you need depends on how old you were when you became disabled:
If you became disabled before age 24:
You need at least 6 work credits (about 1.5 years of work) within the 3 years before your disability started.
If you became disabled between 24 and 31:
You need work credits for about half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled. For example, if you became disabled at 27, you’ll need around 12 work credits (3 years of work).
If you became disabled at 31 or older:
You need at least 20 work credits earned in the 10 years before your disability. This usually means working 5 out of the last 10 years. As you get older, the number of required credits goes up, up to a maximum of 40 credits.
Keep in mind that every case is different. These are general rules and your personal situation may vary.
When Are the Next SSDI Payments in May 2025?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a schedule based on your birthdate to make SSDI payments. This helps them manage all the accounts efficiently.
Here’s the schedule for May 2025:
May 14, 2025:
If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of any month, you’ll get your SSDI payment on May 14.
May 21, 2025:
If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your payment will be made on May 21.
May 28, 2025:
If you were born after the 20th of the month, expect your payment on May 28.
However, if you started receiving SSDI or SSI before May 1997, you might get your payment on the 3rd of each month instead.
How Much Money Will You Get?
The amount of money you receive from SSDI depends on your work history and how much you earned while working.
In May 2025:
The maximum monthly SSDI payment is $4,018, but only people who had very high incomes can get this.
The average monthly SSDI payment is about $1,580.
If you’re a disabled worker with a spouse and children, the average benefit is around $2,826 per month.
According to official data from April 2025, there are 8.24 million people receiving SSDI. Around 2.66 million of them fall in the first group (May 14 payment), with most of them being disabled workers.
Final Thoughts
SSDI payments are a lifeline for millions of Americans who can no longer work due to a disability. Knowing when your payment is coming and how much you might get can help you plan your finances better.
Remember, your eligibility depends on your age, work history, and how many credits you’ve earned. For the most accurate info, it’s always best to check with the Social Security Administration or visit their official website.
