The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially confirmed that the next round of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments will start arriving as early as Wednesday, July 9, 2025. These payments include a 2.5% increase compared to last year, thanks to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
If you’re receiving SSDI or are planning to apply, this guide will help you understand how much you can expect, who qualifies, and how the payment dates work this month.
How Much Is the SSDI Benefit in 2025?
For 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $4,018. This is an increase from $3,822 in 2024, adjusted to help beneficiaries keep up with rising living costs.
But keep in mind—most people receive less than the maximum. The actual amount you get depends on how long you worked and how much you paid into Social Security through your past jobs.
Who Qualifies for SSDI in 2025?
To receive SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death. The SSA calls this “substantial gainful activity” or SGA.
Here are the SGA income limits for 2025:
$1,620/month if you’re not blind
$2,720/month if you are blind
If you earn more than these limits, you may not be eligible, even if your medical condition is serious.
Work Credit Requirements
Besides your health, your work history also matters. You need to have paid enough into Social Security:
For most adults: You must have worked 5 of the last 10 years.
If you’re under 31: The rule is a bit different:
If your disability started between age 21 and 24, you need about 18 months of work.
If it started between age 24 and 31, you need around 42 months of work.
So, SSDI is based on your past job contributions, unlike SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which is only for those with very low income and few resources.
SSDI and SSI Are Not the Same
Many people confuse SSDI with SSI, but they’re very different programs.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
SSI is a needs-based program for people with little or no income or resources, regardless of work history.
Another important point: When you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefit automatically becomes your Social Security retirement benefit. You keep receiving the same amount, just under a different name.
SSDI Payment Schedule for July 2025
Here’s when SSDI payments will be sent in July 2025. The date depends on your birthdate:
Wednesday, July 9 – For those born 1st to 10th of the month
Wednesday, July 16 – For those born 11th to 20th
Wednesday, July 23 – For those born 21st to 31st
If you’re receiving both SSI and SSDI, your SSDI is paid on a fixed date: the 3rd of the month. If that falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made on the last business day before that.
What About SSI Payments?
In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967/month for an individual. For a couple, the combined maximum is $1,450/month.
However, if you’re receiving both SSI and SSDI, your SSI amount might be lower. That’s because your SSDI is considered income, and SSI is based on need. The same works in reverse—SSI can affect your SSDI amount.
Knowing exactly when and how much you’ll get from SSDI helps you plan your monthly expenses better. For July 2025, keep your eyes on the Wednesday payment schedule based on your birthday. If you get both SSDI and SSI, your payment will come on the 3rd of the month, unless it lands on a weekend or holiday.
Remember, the SSA uses specific rules to decide how much you get and when. Staying updated on these rules can protect your benefits and help you make smart financial choices. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or payment date, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA directly.
