Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a major source of financial help for people in the U.S. who cannot work due to a long-term disability. Every month, qualified beneficiaries receive a fixed amount based on their work history and previous income.
In May 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has planned to send out SSDI payments on four dates. These dates are based on the recipient’s date of birth or special circumstances. This system ensures a smooth and organized distribution of funds to millions of people across the country.
Let’s take a look at the payment schedule, how the benefit is calculated, and what the new law changes mean for people getting SSDI.
SSDI May 2025 Payment Dates
The SSDI payment schedule for May 2025 is as follows:
- May 3 – For those who started receiving benefits before May 1997
- May 14 – For people born between the 1st and 10th
- May 21 – For those born between the 11th and 20th
- May 28 – For people with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st
These dates do not fall on weekends or public holidays, so payments are expected to be on time via direct bank deposit.
What Is SSDI and Who Can Get It?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who:
- Cannot work because of a serious disability
- Have paid into Social Security through FICA taxes
- Meet the required work credit conditions
The benefit amount is based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is calculated from your highest-earning years. In 2025, thanks to a 2.5% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment), average SSDI payments rose to $1,580 per month. The maximum SSDI payment for 2025 is $4,018, but only for those with the highest earnings and full work history.
New Law Benefits SSDI Recipients in 2025
In January 2025, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law. This new rule eliminates WEP and GPO, two old provisions that reduced benefits for people with pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security, such as many public sector workers.
Here’s what this change means:
- If your benefits were reduced because of WEP or GPO, you may now receive more money
- Adjustments are retroactive to January 2024
- The SSA is sending back payments to those affected
- Some people who never qualified for spousal benefits before might now be eligible
If you think this affects you, contact the SSA to update your case.
How to Apply for SSDI in 2025
To apply for SSDI, follow these steps:
- Check if you qualify: You must have a serious, long-term disability that prevents work.
- Work history: You need a certain number of work credits based on your age (usually 40 credits for older applicants).
- Start your application:
- Online at www.ssa.gov
- By phone
- Or by visiting your local SSA office
- Submit required documents:
- Medical reports
- Employment history
- Identification documents
The SSA will review your application and send it to a state disability agency for medical evaluation. If approved, benefits begin six months after your disability start date.
If denied, you can appeal the decision through a four-step process:
Reconsideration → Hearing with a judge → Appeals Council → Federal Court
The entire process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the case.