The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) disbursement schedule for March 2025. Payments will be distributed on the 12th, 19th, and 26th of each month, according to the historical model based on the beneficiaries’ birthdates.
Those born between March 1st and 10th will receive their funds on March 12th; those born between March 11th and 20th, on March 19th; and those born between March 21st and 31st, on March 26th.
A specific group will keep a different date: those who registered before May 1997 only received their payment on March 3rd. This decades-old scheme aims to optimize the distribution of resources to more than 10 million beneficiaries in the United States.
The maximum SSDI benefit increased this year
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI amount will be $4,018, up 2.5% from $3,822 in 2024. This adjustment is in response to the cost of living adjustment (COLA), which will apply from January to December of next year.
To mitigate the impact of inflation on beneficiaries, the Social Security Administration recalculates these amounts once per year.
To qualify for the funds, applicants must meet two requirements: present a disabling medical condition—validated by the SSA in its “Blue Book” of eligible conditions—that prevents work for at least 12 months or is life-threatening, and accumulate enough work credits.
In 2025, each credit is equivalent to $1,810 in quarterly income, or $7,240 per year to obtain four of them.
Beneficiaries under the age of 24 are subject to different rules: they must have earned at least 6 credits within the three years preceding their disability. This demonstrates an adaptation to the working conditions of young people with severe disabilities.
The SSA emphasizes that eligibility is based not only on the severity of the condition, but also on previous contributions to the system. “Work history is key to determining access to the program,” says a spokesperson for the institution.
SSDI application process and relevant deadlines
Those interested in applying for SSDI must gather extensive medical and employment records. The SSA recommends beginning the process online or in local offices, where personalized advice is available. “The application’s speed can enable retroactive benefits,” according to an official statement.
Call 1-800-772-1213 if you prefer to speak with someone over the phone. Experts recommend involving an attorney or disability specialist to speed up the process, particularly in complex cases.
Your SSDI payments can be converted to retirement at the correct age
After reaching full retirement age (FRA), SSDI beneficiaries are automatically transferred to the retirement program. The FRA varies by birth year: 66 years for those born between 1943 and 1954, 66 and 67 for those born between 1955 and 1959, and 67 for those born after 1960.
This change does not affect the amount received because both programs use the same formula based on contribution history. Exceptions apply if the beneficiary receives additional compensation, such as labor compensation, which may affect the calculation.
The SSA describes the transition as an administrative adjustment. “Upon reaching FRA, the disability category is replaced by retirement, regardless of health condition,” the researchers say. This policy seeks to align benefits with system regulations while maintaining users’ financial stability.
