The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued all the SSDI payments to recipients who began collecting disability benefits before May 1997. they received their payment on December 3, just like those who are on SSI at the same time. What is more, if you got disability benefits after April 30, 1997, and you were born from 1-10 of any month, your payday was December 11, 2024.
So, all these SSDI recipients need to get ready for their January payment. The first thing to know is that the average payment will be about $1,580, so 38 dollars higher than in 2024. If you have a much lower disability payment, you should expect fewer dollars. For example, if your monthly check is $500, your new amount after COLA will be $512.5.
SSDI January payment schedule
The first Social Security Disability Insurance payment with a 2.5% COLA increase will be due on January 3, 2025. This will be the first payment in 2025 because the SSI check for January will be issued on December 31, 2024.
After the January 3 payment for Disability Insurance recipients, there will be a new payday on January 8, 2025. This will be the first of three Wednesday payments.
The second Wednesday payment will be delivered to the recipient’s bank accounts on January 15, 2025. The last and third SSDI check will be issued on January 22.
- Disability Insurance payment on January 3: if began getting SSDI before May 1997 or on SSI simultaneously
- Disability Insurance payment on January 8: born from 1-10
- Disability Insurance payment on January 15: born 11-20
- Disability Insurance payment on January 22: born 21-31
SSDI eligibility and possible amounts in January 2025
January SSDI Payment Update: Eligible Disability Beneficiaries Set to Receive Up to $4,018
The Social Security Administration can provide workers with a qualifying disability with monthly payments if they cannot work for over a year due to their medical condition and have paid enough payroll taxes.
Therefore, you cannot get SSDI on your record if you have never worked. It is essential to have earned enough work credits. Or else, you will need to apply for Supplemental Security Income instead.
The maximum amount for SSDI will be $4,018, up from $3,822. The average Disability Insurance payment will be about $1,580. However, each recipient has a different amount depending on their work history, e,arnings and filing age.
How Will the COLA Adjustment Affect My SSDI Payments?
The 3.2% COLA increase means that your monthly SSDI benefit will rise slightly, helping to offset the rising costs of living. While the exact increase will depend on the amount of your current benefit, most recipients will see a modest boost in their checks.
For example:
- If your SSDI benefit is $1,500 per month, you can expect an additional $48 per month, bringing your new total to $1,548.
- For those receiving $1,200 per month, the increase would be around $38 per month, resulting in a new benefit of $1,238.
These payments will include the COLA adjustment, so you will receive your updated benefit amount on the date assigned to you based on your birth date.
Other Important Notes for SSDI Recipients
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- Direct Deposit vs. Paper Checks: Most SSDI recipients receive their payments via direct deposit, which is the fastest and safest way to get your benefits. If you receive a paper check, your payment may take longer to arrive.
- Income Limits: If you work while receiving SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has income limits that can affect how much you can earn without losing your benefits. Be sure to check the SSA guidelines if you’re planning to work in 2025.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If you are also eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the COLA increase will also affect your SSI benefits. However, the payment schedules for SSI and SSDI may differ, so it’s important to keep track of both.
Preparing for 2025 and Beyond
The COLA adjustment is a welcome relief for SSDI recipients, especially as inflation continues to impact everyday expenses. While the 3.2% increase may not fully cover all rising costs, it still provides some extra financial support as we move into 2025. Be sure to update your budget accordingly and take note of the January payment schedule to ensure you don’t miss your payment.
As always, if you have questions about your benefits or payment schedule, it’s a good idea to visit the official Social Security website or contact the SSA directly for personalized assistance.
Stay informed and plan ahead to make the most of your SSDI benefits in the new year!