SSDI disability payments in May 2025 will be distributed on four dates: May 3, 14, 21 and 28. Allocation depends on date of birth or special situations, such as receiving benefits combined with SSI. Those who received aid before May 1997 will collect on May 3.
May 14 corresponds to those born between the 1st and 10th; on May 21, for those whose birthdays are from the 11th to the 20th; and on May 28, those from the 21st to the 31st. None of the dates coincide with weekends or federal holidays, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) calendar.
What is the SSDI disability program for?
The SSDI program provides support to people with disabilities who are unable to work, based on their work history. The amounts are calculated using the primary insurance benefit (PIA), linked to previous income. In 2025, the cost of living adjustment (COLA) increased payments by 2.5%.
According to official data, the average monthly amount will be $1,580, while the maximum may reach $4,018. This last amount applies to those who had maximum taxable income (of $176,100 in 2025) and meet the established contribution requirements.
A new law improved Social Security benefit payments for some
In January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed, eliminating the WEP and GPO provisions. “These rules reduced benefits to people with pensions from non-Social Security employers,” explained a spokesperson for ssfairness.org. The repeal mainly benefits public sector workers.
The adjustments are retroactive to January 2024, so the SSA is making compensatory payments. “If you never applied for spousal benefits through the GPO, you could now be eligible,” said a source from the SSA. Those affected should contact the agency to update their cases.
SSA automatically adjusts amounts for identified beneficiaries. Those receiving SSDI and a non-contributory pension should check to see if their monthly payment increased. Deposits are made by bank transfer, following the schedule established for May 2025.
How to apply for SSDI benefits
To access Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), applicants must have a work history with contributions to the system through FICA taxes. Accumulated work credits are required, which vary by age: for example, 40 credits (20 working years) for those over 62.
The disability must be medically verifiable, prevent any substantial gainful activity (SGA), and last at least 12 months or be terminal. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether the condition appears on its List of Impairments or functionally limits the applicant.
The process begins by submitting the application online, by phone or at an SSA office, attaching medical records, work history and identification documents. The SSA reviews the work credits and refers the case to the state disability agency for medical evaluation.
If denied, there are four stages of appeal: reconsideration, hearing before a judge, Appeals Council review, and federal lawsuit. Approval can take 3 to 6 months, although complex cases take longer. Benefits begin the sixth month after the declaration of disability.
Those who wish to apply for retroactive or spousal benefits must submit documentation online or at local offices. The entity suggests checking the site www.ssa.gov to calculate estimates or clarify doubts about eligibility.
