Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides critical financial assistance to individuals with serious health conditions that prevent them from working. However, eligibility for this benefit is not automatic; it requires meeting specific medical and work requirements. We’ve outlined the essentials below.
Payments are sent in three groups per month, based on your date of birth. First, people born between 1 and 10 are paid on the second Wednesday of each month. Then, those born between the 11th and the 20th receive payment on the third Wednesday of the month. Then, those who comply after the 21st of each month receive their benefits on the fourth Wednesday.
This is strictly enforced, and only changes if one of the three Wednesdays coincides with a holiday. In this case, payment is moved to Tuesday. For example, in February 2025, the final group will receive funds on the 26th. If the deposit does not appear after the specified date, please contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to resolve any issues.
Requirements to access SSDI
Professionals must verify the disability and document it in reports demonstrating its severity and duration (at least one year or terminal). In its “Blue Book,” the SSA lists eligible conditions that do not include temporary or mild conditions. Before applying, make sure your condition is listed in its “Blue Book,” which lists eligible conditions.
40 work credits are required, 20 of which must have been obtained within the last decade. Each credit in 2025 is equivalent to $1,810 in income. Young adults with early disabilities may have some flexibility in this requirement. That is, unlike other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on need, the SSDI program is based on the individual’s employment history.
Amount of benefits: How much can you receive?
The maximum monthly payment is $4,018, an exceptional figure that applies only to those who have made 35 years of high contributions and were born before 1954. For the most part, the amount varies based on previous income and age when applying. Even if you don’t receive the maximum benefit, SSDI can help with essential expenses.
Many people are unaware of their eligibility and remain in critical situations without seeking assistance. Professional advice can mean the difference between vulnerability and financial stability.
Since we previously mentioned the SSI program, it is worth noting that SSDI benefits can be supplemented with SSI benefits if your income is insufficient to meet your needs.
If SSDI is low (say, $800), SSI may make up the difference. However, the Social Security Administration rigorously evaluates all resources, including family support. When both are approved, the payments are combined into a single deposit, though SSDI may partially offset the SSI amount.
The maximum SSDI benefit is $4,018, while SSI offers up to $967 for an individual, $1,450 for a couple, and $484 as a subsidy for a person’s payment of essential assistance.
