The third Wednesday in March 2025 (March 19) is a key date for beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). On this day, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute payments to people with disabilities who meet specific work history and medical eligibility requirements. The schedule depends on when you started receiving benefits and your date of birth.
For those who started their coverage before May 1997, payments arrive on the 3rd of each month, adjusted for whether it is a weekend or holiday. Recipients after that date receive payments based on their birthday: 1-10 (second Wednesday), 11-20 (third Wednesday), or 21-31 (fourth Wednesday). March 19 corresponds to those born between the 11th and 20th, under this scheme.
SSDI maximum amounts and inflation adjustments
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit will be $4,018, the same as the maximum retirement amount. This value includes a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA), bringing it to $4,018. According to the report “Social Security and SSI Disability Increase for 2025”, few people reach this maximum, since 35 years of high income is required.
The difference between the maximum and the average reflects variations in the beneficiaries’ work histories. For example, one credit is obtained for every $1,810 paid in Social Security taxes in 2025, with a limit of 4 credits annually, which is equivalent to a maximum of $7,240 annually. These requirements directly affect the final amount a person will receive.
Medical and work requirements to access SSDI
To be eligible for SSDI, two criteria must be met: having a disabling medical condition and a history of contributions to the system. Medically, the person must have a limitation that prevents them from engaging in substantial work activity (SGA), defined as earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 for people who are blind). The condition must last at least 12 months or be terminal.
Regarding work history, the necessary credits vary by age. Those under 24 years of age require 6 credits in the last 3 years. Between 24 and 30 years old, credits equivalent to half the time elapsed since the age of 21 are required. Those over 31 years of age must have 20 credits in the last decade and 40 in total. This ensures that only those who contributed significantly access benefits.
Specific recipients of the March 19 payment
The payment on March 19, 2025 applies to three groups:
- Beneficiaries who began receiving SSDI after May 1997.
- People with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month.
- Those who meet the current medical and work requirements.
Those who started before May 1997 received their payment on March 3, and their next payment date is April 3, regardless of their date of birth. The SSA recommends updating bank details to avoid delays, as direct deposit is the preferred method. Those who do not use it could face delays of up to 5 business days.
Additional benefits and work incentive programs
SSDI not only benefits the disabled worker, but also certain eligible family members, such as spouses and children under 18 years of age. The total that a family can receive varies between 150% and 180% of the individual benefit, depending on the case. For example, if a beneficiary receives $1,537 a month, his or her household could get up to $2,765 total.
On the other hand, the SSA offers the Trial Work Program, which allows beneficiaries to return to work without immediately losing their payments. In 2025, monthly income of up to $1,160 counts as a “trial month.” If this amount is exceeded by more than nine months within a 60-month period, benefits are suspended.