The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially confirmed that monthly SSDI payments for May 2025 are now starting. If you’re a recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may get your money in just a few hours—depending on your birthday. These payments can be as much as $4,018 per month for those who qualify.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the payment dates, eligibility, and what happens once you reach retirement age.
SSDI May 2025 Payment Schedule: Who Gets Paid When?
The SSA sends out SSDI payments based on your date of birth, and for May 2025, the money will arrive on three different Wednesdays:
- May 14, 2025 – for people born between the 1st and 10th
- May 21, 2025 – for birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- May 28, 2025 – for those born from the 21st to the 31st
If your birthday falls within these ranges, your SSDI check will be deposited automatically into your bank account or delivered to your mailing address.
Who Can Apply for SSDI?
You should consider applying for SSDI if you can’t work due to a long-term disability. This program is designed to provide financial help to workers who have developed a qualified disability and can no longer continue with their job.
To be eligible, you must:
- Have a medical condition that meets SSA’s definition of disability
- Be unable to work for at least 12 months or have a terminal condition
- Have worked enough years and paid into Social Security
The amount of money you receive depends on your past earnings and contributions to the Social Security system.
How Much Can You Get from SSDI in 2025?
In 2025, the SSA raised SSDI payments by 2.5% due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This means some people may now receive up to $4,018 per month—an increase of $196 compared to 2024.
But not everyone will receive the maximum amount. Most people get a lower payment because the amount depends on your work history and how much you earned before becoming disabled.
The $4,018 figure is based on someone who had high earnings and paid into Social Security for many years.
What Happens When You Reach Full Retirement Age?
If you’re receiving SSDI and reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you don’t need to do anything. Your benefits will automatically change from SSDI to retirement benefits.
Here’s the good news: your payment amount usually stays the same. That’s because SSDI is already calculated as if you were at full retirement age at the time you became disabled.
However, if you were receiving other disability benefits, like workers’ compensation or a pension from a job that didn’t pay Social Security taxes, those reductions might end when you hit FRA, and your monthly payment may increase.
Need Help? Contact the SSA
If you need more information, the SSA is ready to help. You can:
- Call them at 1-800-772-1213
- Visit your nearest SSA office
They can answer your questions, explain your eligibility, and guide you through the application or update process.
If you receive SSDI, watch for your May 2025 payment—especially if your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, because your deposit is scheduled in less than 72 hours. With the COLA increase, you could get up to $4,018 per month, though most people will get less depending on their past income.
And once you hit full retirement age, your benefits will shift to retirement payments without much change. Make sure your information is up to date, and contact SSA if you need help with anything related to your benefits.
