Millions of Americans who are unable to work due to serious health conditions rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to support their daily needs.
This federal program, managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), provides monthly payments to people with long-term disabilities. In April 2025, a new group of SSDI beneficiaries is about to receive their payment.
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month, your SSDI check is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. This is based on the SSA’s birthday-based payment schedule, which has been used since 1997.
Whether you’re a recipient or a dependent of someone who receives SSDI, it’s important to understand how the system works and what you should expect.
Who Is Eligible for SSDI?
SSDI is not just for anyone with a disability. To qualify, you must meet some key rules:
Long-Term Disability
Your condition must stop you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Work History
You need to have earned enough Social Security work credits—usually 40 credits in total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. If you’re younger than 31, the rule is slightly different.
Approved Medical Proof
The SSA will ask for medical records, lab results, and reports from specialist doctors. For some conditions like blindness, bipolar disorder, or pulmonary diseases, very specific documents are needed.
SSDI Payment Amount: How Much Will You Get?
On average, SSDI payments are about $1,580 per month. But this amount can change based on your previous income and work history. Some people who began collecting at full retirement age (67) might get as much as $4,018 per month.
If you have family members who qualify as dependents, like a spouse or child, they might also get benefits. In some cases, the total amount a family receives can reach up to 150% of the main payment.
The SSA updates payment limits every year, depending on cost-of-living increases and new laws. This helps SSDI keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
SSDI Payment Schedule for April and May 2025
The payment dates are based on your birthday:
- April 23, 2025: Birthdays between 21st and 31st
- May 14, 2025: Birthdays between 1st and 10th
- May 21, 2025: Birthdays between 11th and 20th
Most payments are made through Direct Deposit, which is fast and safe. Very few people still receive paper checks, and the SSA encourages everyone to switch to Direct Deposit for quicker service.
How to Apply for SSDI
If you believe you qualify, applying is simple but requires patience. Here’s what to do:
- Apply online – through the SSA website or visit your local SSA office.
- Collect documents – such as medical records, work history, and identification.
- Be ready to wait – approval may take months, especially for complex cases.