The Social Security Administration (SSA) has adjusted disability benefits (SSDI) amounts for 2025, increasing the maximum monthly payment in response to this fiscal year’s 2.5% COLA.
However, not all beneficiaries will receive the maximum amount, as each payment approved by the agency is based on factors such as prior work earnings and years of Social Security contributions.
SSDI benefits are based on a beneficiary’s average lifetime earnings prior to becoming disabled. Those with higher earnings and greater contributions to Social Security (via FICA taxes) typically receive larger payments.
To be eligible for the maximum benefit of $4,018 per month in 2025, beneficiaries must have at least 35 years of work experience, have reached the FICA tax limit multiple times, and have accumulated 40 work credits, which is equivalent to nearly 10 years of job history.
Eligibility Requirements for SSDI
The SSDI program provides financial assistance to workers who have developed a disability that prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity. To qualify, candidates must:
- Have a work history with contributions to Social Security (FICA taxes).
- Meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which requires a medical condition lasting at least one year or resulting in death, and which prevents the individual from performing significant work.
SSDI Payment Schedule for February 2025
SSDI payments are distributed on specific dates each month, determined by the beneficiary’s birthdate and when they began receiving benefits. For February 2025, the payment schedule is as follows:
- February 3: Beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before May 1997, regardless of birthdate.
- February 12: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month, who began receiving benefits after May 1997.
- February 19: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month, who began receiving benefits after May 1997.
- February 26: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month, who began receiving benefits after May 1997.
SSI Payment Adjustment for February 2025
Some people may be eligible for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a situation known as receiving “concurrent benefits.” This happens when a person meets the eligibility criteria for both programs, which are administered by the SSA but have different requirements.
So, if you’re claiming Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your February payments will be issued on January 31, because the agency does not process payments on weekends or holidays. The SSDI program offers up to $4,018 in benefits, while the SSI program offers up to $967.
SSI benefits are based on the individual’s needs, whereas SSDI is based on the employee’s work history. SSI recipients are typically eligible for Medicaid, whereas SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. Concurrent beneficiaries may have access to both programs.
