Social Security has announced a series of scheduled payments for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients in the coming weeks. These payments, which can reach $3,822 in December 2024, but are already scheduled to rise 2.5% from January 2025 due to the cost of living adjustment (COLA).
Like the rest of the benefits, the SSDI payments will be distributed in a staggered manner to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their funds on time and that the system can have the capacity to distribute the different payments throughout the month.
SSDI payments that were already sent in December 2024
As we approach the middle of the month of December, some payment dates are already being met while others have not yet arrived. As you already know, disability benefits (SSDI) are paid in conjunction with Social Security retirements, on three pre-established dates: the second, third, and fourth Wednesday, every month.
The three groups are formed based on the date of birth of the worker, as follows:
- December 11: If your birthday falls on any day between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- December 24: If your birthday falls between the 20th and 31st of any month.
- December 31: The advance payment will be sent to SSI beneficiaries, corresponding to January 1 (federal holiday).
Other SSDI payments scheduled for January
As we said before, disability beneficiaries (SSDI) will receive their January 2025 payment, with the COLA increase already duly applied. Since we did not explain it at the beginning, the COLA is an increase that falls on the benefits paid by the SSA and is calculated based on inflation for the year that just ended. This is so that beneficiaries do not lose purchasing power as goods and services rise in price.
Once again, the payment schedule is adapted to your date of birth. If you have a birthday in the first ten days of the month, your payment will be waiting for you in the middle of the month. If your birthday falls in the second fortnight, you will have to wait a little longer. And for those who are the last to celebrate during the month, payment will arrive at the end of January.
The benefits are set to increase in January
Starting that month, the maximum SSDI payments will become $4,018 per month for a worker who qualifies for this amount. Not everyone becomes eligible for this monthly money, and the amount that the SSA allocates will depend on several factors such as income history, that is, the amount of money a person has earned during their working years, which is used as a base to calculate the Indexed Average Monthly Profit (AIME).
The AIME is a measure of a worker’s income level throughout their working life and is used to calculate the benefit amount. The timing of the disability is also taken into account: generally, people who become disabled at an older age may receive higher benefits as a result of the previous point.
While the type of disability does not directly determine the benefit amount, it can influence a person’s ability to work and earn income. SSDI benefits may be reduced if a person has other income, such as earned income or benefits from other sources.
Keep in mind that SSDI benefits do not always cover all medical expenses, so experts recommend having savings or trying to ensure income adjacent to benefits.
