The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to adjust Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, as it does each year, with the cost of living adjustment (COLA), in order to reflect economic changes and ensure livelihoods of millions of beneficiaries.
With these changes, more than 7.3 million people with disabilities in the United States will see their monthly income impacted, starting in 2025. But before the end of the year, there are still deposits that must be sent and these are the payment dates.
What is SSDI and who receives it in the United States
SSDI is a program designed to support those who cannot work due to a severe disability or blindness. To be eligible, individuals who want to apply must have worked and contributed to the payroll system for a certain amount of time, although there are exceptions for younger people. Additionally, the disability is required to limit the ability to earn income above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which in 2024 was set at $1,550 monthly, or $2,590 for legally blind people.
This benefit can also be extended to dependent family members, who could receive up to half of the amount allocated to the primary beneficiary, and allows some beneficiaries to automatically access Medicare after two years out of the workforce.
SSDI payment dates in December 2024
The SSA organizes the dates of monthly payments based on when beneficiaries began receiving their checks:
- Before May 1997: Payments are delivered on the third day of each month, with adjustments if this date falls on a holiday or weekend.
- After May 1997: The dates vary depending on the beneficiary’s day of birth. Those born from 1 to 10 receive their payment on the second Wednesday of the month, from 11 to 20 on the third Wednesday, and from 21 to 31 on the fourth Wednesday.
- In December 2024, these payments are advanced to avoid delays due to holidays such as Christmas. For example, the check for beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st will be delivered on December 24th instead of the 25th (this day is Christmas, that is, a federal holiday).
Increases projected for 2025: SSDI payments set to grow
With a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, SSDI recipients will see an average increase of $50 per month. Although this increase is less than the 8.7% recorded in 2023, it reflects a moderation in inflation. However, the actual impact will depend on the amount received by each beneficiary, with a monthly maximum of $4,018 in 2025 for those who qualify at the highest level.
The SSA also reported that the taxable income limits for Social Security will increase to $176,100 in 2025. Additionally, recipients will receive detailed notifications in December explaining the new amounts and payment dates.
You could have to pay more taxes in 2025
An increase in payments could have knock-on effects for some beneficiaries, since about 40% of SSDI recipients must pay federal taxes on this income. This mainly applies to those who have significant additional income.
For individual returns, income between $25,000 and $34,000 can trigger taxes on 50% of the profits. If income exceeds $34,000, up to 85% of the monthly benefit could be taxed. For couples filing jointly, the scenario is different: combined income between $32,000 and $44,000, 50% of the benefits are subject to tax, and for higher incomes, the percentage rises to 85%.