Let’s talk about something that may not seem like the most exciting issue at first—disability benefits, or SSDI—but stick with me. If you or someone you know has a long-term disability, SSDI may be a financial gift. Consider it a federal government-created safety net for people who are unable to work owing to major health difficulties.
But it’s not only about qualifying for SSDI; you also need to understand how it works, when you’ll be paid, and what’s new this year. So take a snack and let’s break it down in simple English.
Who Gets Paid When? (March 2025 SSDI)
First, we’ll look at payment dates. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an unusual structure based on birthdays. If your birthdate is between the first and tenth of any month, set your calendar on March 12, 2025—that’s your payday. Were you born between the 11th and the 20th? Your deposit is due on March 19. And if you have a birthday between the 21st and the 31st, circle March 26.
Why the Wednesday theme? The Social Security Administration uses the first four Wednesdays of each month to stagger payments. Since March 1, 2025 falls on a Saturday, the first “Wednesday” for payment purposes is the 5th. This ensures that things remain consistent year after year, even if the calendar changes somewhat. Over 8 million Americans rely on these dates, so it’s a major logistical challenge to keep those deposits flowing.
Do you qualify for SSDI? work credits and medical documentation
Okay, let’s talk about eligibility. SSDI is not a handout; rather, it is an insurance program into which you have (most likely) paid payroll taxes. To qualify, you must have work credits. Most adults require 20 credits (approximately five years of labor during the last decade). Younger people under 24 may require less, which is beneficial because life does not always offer you a decade to create a résumé before health problems arise.
However, simply having a work history is insufficient. Your handicap must be severe enough to prevent you from undertaking any “substantial” employment (making more than $1,550 per month in 2024) for at least a year, or be terminal.
The SSA isn’t fooling around here; they’ll require medical proof. We’re talking about tests, records, and evaluations from state-approved documents. Advanced cancer, multiple sclerosis, and serious neurological illnesses are frequently included on the list.
If you have ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the restrictions became more lenient in 2020. You don’t have to wait the typical five months, so your benefits start sooner. That is significant for an illness like ALS that progresses so rapidly.
Backpay: when the SSA owes you money
Have you heard of retroactive pay? If your impairment began before you applied, the Social Security Administration may owe you backpay of up to 12 months. This helps to fill those painful gaps while your application is in bureaucratic limbo (spoiler: approvals can take months). Just establish that your impairment existed previously, and you could receive a lump payment to alleviate your burden.
Your monthly benefit is depending on your employment history. The SSA determines your payout based on your 35 highest-earning years. In 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $4,018; however, most persons receive between $900 and $1,600. What’s the average? Approximately $1,580.
The good news is that your pay will increase by a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) each year. For 2025, it’s a 2.5% boost, which is smaller than the 3.2% increase in 2024 but still beats inflation snatching your grocery money. COLAs have been in place since 1975, with the exception of 2010, 2011, and 2016, when inflation slowed.