In May 2025, SSDI disability payments will be issued on four separate dates: May 3, 14, 21, and 28. Allocation is based on date of birth or specific circumstances, such as receiving benefits in conjunction with SSI. Those who got relief before to May 1997 will be able to collect on May 3.

May 14 is for those born between the 1st and 10th of May; May 21 is for those born between the 11th and 20th of May; and May 28 is for those born between the 21st and 31st of May. According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) calendar, none of the dates fall on weekends or federal holidays.

What does the SSDI disability program cover?

The SSDI program helps people with impairments who are unable to work depending on their job history. The amounts are computed using the main insurance benefit (PIA), which is tied to past income. In 2025, the cost of living adjustment (COLA) will boost payments by 2.5%.

According to official figures, the average monthly amount will be $1,580, with the maximum reaching $4,018. This last sum applies to people who earned the maximum taxed income in 2025 ($176,100) and met the contribution criteria.

A new law enhanced Social Security benefits for some

The Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminated the WEP and GPO components, was signed in January 2025. “These rules reduced benefits to people with pensions from non-Social Security employers,” said a representative for ssfairness.org. The repeal mostly helps public-sector workers.

The adjustments are retroactive to January 2024, thus the SSA is providing compensatory payments. “If you never applied for spousal benefits through the GPO, you could now be eligible,” stated an SSA spokesperson. Those affected should contact the agency to provide an update on their cases.

The SSA automatically modifies amounts for recognised beneficiaries. Those receiving SSDI and non-contributory pensions should check to determine if their monthly payment has increased. Deposits are made via bank transfer according to the schedule outlined for May 2025.

How to apply for SSDI benefits

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), applicants must have a work history and have contributed to the system through FICA payments. Work credits must be accumulated, which vary by age: 40 credits (20 working years) for people over the age of 62.

The handicap must be medically verifiable, prohibit any substantial gainful activity (SGA), and last at least 12 months or be fatal. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines whether the condition is on its list of impairments or effectively limits the applicant.

The process begins with submitting an application online, by phone, or in person at an SSA office, along with medical records, job history, and identity documents. The Social Security Administration evaluates the labour credits and recommends the case to the state disability department for medical evaluation.

If denied, there are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before a judge, Appeals Council review, and federal lawsuit. Approval can take 3 to 6 months, with difficult instances taking longer. Benefits begin the sixth month following the declaration of disability.

Applicants for retroactive or spousal benefits must submit paperwork either online or at a local office. The business recommends visiting the website www.ssa.gov to compute estimates or clear up any questions about eligibility.