The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the dates for the next Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. This program is designed to provide financial support to individuals with disabilities that prevent them from performing meaningful work activities. Below, we tell you who is eligible, the benefit amounts and the payment schedule for December.
Access to SSDI benefits is not guaranteed for everyone with a disability, as there are specific criteria to be eligible. To begin, applicants must demonstrate that they have a physical or mental disability that substantially limits their ability to work. This condition must be medically proven and last at least 12 months or have a terminal prognosis.
You must meet these requirements to opt for SSDI
In addition to not being able to perform their previous job, applicants must demonstrate that their disability prevents them from carrying out any other relevant work activity within the national economy. These provisions are described in Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act.
Another important factor is work history. Applicants must have accumulated sufficient work credits through jobs that contribute to Social Security. Typically, this means having worked for at least 10 years or having earned the necessary credits within the last 35 years.
SSDI Benefits: How Much Can You Receive?
SSDI payments vary based on an applicant’s prior income and are designed to provide adequate financial support. In December, the average and maximum amounts include:
- General average: $1,537 monthly
- Beneficiaries with blindness: Up to $2,590 per month
- Maximum possible payment: $3,822 per month
These amounts seek to adapt to different levels of need, guaranteeing sustenance for those who face greater economic challenges due to their disability.
SSDI Payment Dates in December
SSDI follows a monthly schedule that ensures the orderly distribution of payments and that everyone receives their money as stipulated in Social Security law. For this month of December, the key dates are:
- December 11: For beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month and who applied for the benefit after May 1997.
- December 18: For those born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- December 24: For beneficiaries with dates of birth between the 21st and the 31st. This payment is advanced because December 25 is a holiday.
December marks the last month that the 2024 cost of living adjustment (COLA), which was 3.2%, will be applied. Starting in January, beneficiaries will notice an additional increase of 2.5%, reflecting the inflation recorded throughout the year. This new adjustment will remain in force until December 31, 2025.