Starting in January 2025, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries will see an increase in their monthly payments, which may reach a maximum of $4,018. This increase, corresponding to the 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), has been implemented by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help offset the increase in the cost of living faced by beneficiaries.
This policy change is designed to provide adequate financial support to nearly 68 million SSDI beneficiaries by helping them to cope with the increments in the prices of products and services, a consequence of inflation.
Eligibility criteria for the maximum SSDI benefit in 2025
Not all SSDI beneficiaries will automatically get the maximum amount of $4,018. Several factors influence eligibility, including work history and income. The Average Indexed Monthly Income (AIME) is a key component that directly affects the benefit, as it is calculated based on a person’s earnings throughout their working life that are subject to Social Security coverage.
In addition, it is essential to have a certain number of work credits. Generally, 40 credits are required, of which at least 20 must have been earned in the 10 years prior to the disability event. The age at which a person begins receiving benefits also influences the amount, with younger workers, with limited work history, tending to receive lower amounts.
Payment schedule for January 2025
In order to facilitate the payment distribution process, SSA has established an updated schedule for January 2025. January 3 will mark the beginning of payments for those beneficiaries who began receiving assistance before May 1997, as well as as well as for those who receive both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Those whose birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of each month will receive their payments on January 8. For beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th, the payment date will be January 15, while payments for those with birthdays between the 21st and the 31st are scheduled for January 22.
February 2025 payment dates
The payment schedule for February 2025 will continue with the same logic established in January. Recipients with birthdays between February 1st and February 10th will receive their payment on the first Wednesday of the month, which is February 5.
Those born between the 11th and 20th will get their payments on the third Wednesday, February 12, while those with birthdays between the 21st and 29th will see their deposits on the fourth Wednesday, February 19.