Good news for many Americans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — the second group of beneficiaries is getting their payments this week. These payments are part of the regular monthly distribution for those who started receiving benefits after May 1997. Let’s break down when the money will come, how much people can expect, and who qualifies.
When Are SSDI Payments Coming?
Social Security pays SSDI benefits based on your date of birth. If you started receiving your payments after May 1997, your payment will come on one of three Wednesdays each month, depending on your birth date.
If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your payment will arrive on Wednesday, May 21st.
If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st, you’ll get your money on Wednesday, May 28th.
The money is usually deposited starting at 12:01 a.m. on your payment day.
What About People Who Started Receiving Benefits Before 1997?
People who began receiving SSDI before May 1997 follow a different schedule. Their payment usually comes on the 3rd of every month, but in May, it arrived on May 2nd, because May 3rd was a Saturday. Payments are moved earlier when the date falls on a weekend or public holiday.
Also, if you live outside the U.S., get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or have your Medicare premiums paid by the state, your payment also comes on the 3rd.
Extra SSI Payment in May
Some people who get SSDI also receive SSI payments, which are sent once a month. This time, the June SSI payment was sent earlier — on Friday, May 30th — because June 1st falls on a Sunday. The early payment helps avoid delays for those who depend on these funds.
No Major Changes in Monthly Schedule
For most people, SSDI payments are still sent out on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month, just like every other month. So if you don’t fall under special cases, your schedule remains the same.
How Much Can You Get from SSDI?
The money you get from SSDI depends on how long and how much you worked. The government looks at your top 35 earning years and adjusts them based on average wage levels. This helps decide your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) — the base for your monthly payment.
Thanks to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025, SSDI payments have gone up a bit. But only a small number of people can get the maximum amount of $4,018 per month. To receive this, you must have earned the maximum taxable income (which is $176,100 in 2025) for 35 straight years.
Average Payment for Most People
Most people don’t get the maximum SSDI payment. In reality, the average monthly payment for a disabled worker in 2025 is about $1,580. That’s because many people had lower earnings, fewer working years, or gaps in their careers due to health or job loss.
If you also receive SSI, the maximum monthly payment is $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
This week’s SSDI payments are going out to the second batch of eligible workers who claimed after May 1997. While only a few people qualify for the highest possible payment of $4,018, many will still benefit from the updated rates and timely deposits. Those depending on both SSDI and SSI can expect adjusted schedules to avoid delays.
It’s important for beneficiaries to keep track of their birth dates and payment schedules to avoid confusion. Social Security remains a vital source of support for millions of disabled workers across the U.S.
