The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will distribute its next monthly payment on March 19, 2025, aimed at beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month. This disbursement system, established since 1997, schedules payments on three Wednesdays a month based on the date of birth. Those who receive benefits before May 1997 collect on the 3rd, outside of this date.
The program, supported by FICA taxes, assists people with severe disabilities that prevent them from working for at least 12 months or who face a terminal condition. Unlike SSI, which is based on economic need, SSDI requires a credit-verified work history. In 2025, each credit represents $1,810 of income, with an annual limit of four credits, totaling $7,240.
Amounts vary depending on work history: The average benefit in 2025 is $1,580, but some will receive up to $4,018. This payment benefits those who meet specific eligibility requirements and reflects previous contributions to the system.
Here is who qualifies for disability benefits
Eligibility depends on work credits, which change by age. Those under 24 years of age need 6 credits in three years; from 24 to 30, half the years from 21; over 30, 20 credits in the last 10 years. For those over 62, 40 credits are required, 20 of them recent. “The SSDI is a federal program financed by FICA taxes, intended for people with severe disabilities that prevent them from working for at least 12 months or with a terminal prognosis,” indicates the official regulations. This criterion excludes the severity of the disability as a factor in determining amounts.
About two-thirds of beneficiaries receive less than $1,580, with typical payments between $900 and $1,600. Those who have dependents, such as a spouse or children, reach a family average of $2,800, adjusted for past financial responsibilities.
Calculation and additional benefits some may ask (if qualifying)
The SSDI calculation is based on average indexed income (AIME), derived from historical income. In 2025, the maximum is $4,018, surpassing SSI, which grants $967 to individuals and $1,450 to couples. The amount does not consider the disability, but rather previous contributions.
After 24 months receiving SSDI, beneficiaries access Medicare, guaranteeing medical coverage. This benefit reinforces long-term support for those who qualify for the program based on their work history. The system prioritizes economic stability: the $4,018 cap stands out from other Social Security programs, reflecting differences in funding and purpose between SSDI and options like SSI.
How to apply and deadlines for SSDI
Applications are processed at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or at SSA offices. Medical documentation aligned to the SSA “Blue Book” and employment records are required. Approval can take months, followed by a five-month wait before the first payment.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases approved after July 23, 2020 evade this deadline. Additionally, the Trial Work Period (TWP) allows you to work nine months without losing benefits, and the Extended Eligibility Period extends coverage by 36 months if income is limited.
The most common illnesses that qualify for SSDI
Musculoskeletal diseases lead the conditions that qualify for SSDI benefits in the US. This category includes pathologies such as severe arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and amputations. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), these diagnoses limit the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting, standing, or walking for long periods.
The SSA assessment considers the loss of function in joints, the impossibility of fine or gross movements, and the impact on employability. Due to their high incidence in the working population, these diseases represent one of the main causes of SSDI approval. Mental disorders are listed as the second most common category for accessing SSDI. Conditions such as severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and disabling anxiety affect cognitive, emotional and social abilities.
The SSA analyzes the severity of the symptoms, their duration, and how they limit interaction in work environments or compliance with schedules.
When evaluating cases, the agency considers factors such as the applicant’s age, education, and previous work experience. For example, a diagnosis of recurrent major depressive disorder requires evidence of hospitalizations, failed treatment attempts, or documented impairment in work performance. These requirements are intended to ensure that only debilitating conditions receive benefits.
For both categories, the SSA requires objective medical evidence: MRIs, psychiatric reports, or functional evaluations. In musculoskeletal cases, loss of mobility is assessed using tests such as the Range of Movement Scale. In mental disorders, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) diagnoses and records of ongoing therapies are required.
Applicants must demonstrate that their condition persists for at least 12 months or is terminal. Furthermore, the disability must prevent not only your previous job, but any existing employment in the national economy. This last point, known as the residual capacity rule, is key in 68% of initial denials, according to 2023 data.