The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already confirmed the issuance of new payments corresponding to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is one of the programs to financially support people with disabilities that prevent them from participating in substantial lucrative activities. Here’s a breakdown of eligibility, payment dates, and key benefit numbers.
Not all workers qualify for SSDI, and not all people with a disability can apply and be accepted for this insurance coverage. First let’s review what the requirements are to be eligible.
The SSA will ask you to meet these requirements to receive SSDI benefits
The process to qualify for SSDI is strictly regulated. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from engaging in any substantial gainful activity. Additionally, this condition must be medically verifiable and have a duration of at least 12 months or be potentially terminal.
Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act specifies that, in addition to being unable to perform previous work, the applicant must demonstrate that his or her condition prevents him or her from engaging in any other significant work activity in the national economy.
Another criterion that the SSA will consider is work history. Applicants must have worked for a sufficient period of time in employment covered by Social Security, paying taxes for at least 10 years or accumulating a minimum number of work credits in the last 35 years.
If you are approved, these are the amounts you can expect to receive
SSDI benefits vary based on the disabled worker’s prior income and are designed to provide adequate financial support. In December, the average amounts are:
- Overall average profit: $1,537 monthly.
- Beneficiaries with blindness: Up to $2,590 monthly.
- Maximum payment: $3,822 monthly.
SSDI payment schedule in December
SSDI follows a monthly schedule that ensures efficient distribution of payments to millions of beneficiaries. For the month of December, payments are scheduled as follows:
- 11 December: Beneficiaries whose births occur between the 1st and 10th of the month and who applied for their benefit after May 1997.
- December 18: Beneficiaries with dates of birth between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- December 24: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month. This payment is brought forward from its original date, which is December 25, because it is a holiday.
Remember that this is the last month in which the cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2024 is applied, which was 3.2%. Starting in January, your benefits will increase by an additional 2.5%, depending on the inflation that was recorded throughout 2024. This increase will be in force until December 31, 2025.