The third Wednesday in March 2025 (March 19) is a critical date for SSDI recipients. On this day, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will make payments to people with disabilities who meet certain work and medical eligibility requirements. The schedule is determined by your date of birth and when you began receiving benefits.
Payments are made on the third of each month for those who began coverage before May 1997, with adjustments for weekends and holidays. After that date, recipients receive payments based on their birthdays: 1-10 (second Wednesday), 11-20 (third Wednesday), or 21-31 (fourth Wednesday). According to this scheme, March 19 corresponds to those born between the 11th and the 20th.
SSDI maximum amounts and inflation adjustments
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit will be $4,018, which is equal to the maximum retirement amount. This figure includes a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA), bringing the total to $4,018. According to the “Social Security and SSI Disability Increase for 2025” report, few people reach this maximum because 35 years of high income are required.
The difference between the maximum and average reflects differences in the beneficiaries’ work histories. For example, in 2025, one credit is obtained for every $1,810 paid in Social Security taxes, with a maximum of four credits per year, or $7,240 per year. These requirements have a direct impact on the final amount a person will receive.
Medical and work requirements to access SSDI
To be eligible for SSDI, you must meet two requirements: have a disabling medical condition and a history of contributions to the system.
Medically, the individual must have a limitation that prevents them from engaging in significant work activity (SGA), which is defined as earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 for blind people). The condition must be either terminal or last at least 12 months.
The required credits for work history vary depending on age. Those under the age of 24 must complete 6 credits within the last three years. Between the ages of 24 and 30, credits equal to half of the time since the age of 21 are required.
Those over the age of 31 must have completed 20 credits within the last decade and a total of 40. This ensures that only those who have contributed significantly receive benefits.
Specific recipients of the March 19 payment
The payment on March 19, 2025 applies to three groups:
- Beneficiaries who began receiving SSDI after May 1997.
- People with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month.
- Those who meet the current medical and work requirements.
Those who began before May 1997 received payment on March 3, and their next payment date is April 3, regardless of their birth date. The SSA recommends updating bank information to avoid delays, as direct deposit is the preferred method. Those who do not use it may experience delays lasting up to 5 business days.
Additional benefits and work incentive programs
SSDI benefits not only the disabled worker, but also certain eligible family members, including spouses and children under the age of 18. Depending on the circumstances, a family can receive anywhere from 150% to 180% of the individual benefit. For example, if a beneficiary receives $1,537 per month, his or her household could receive up to $2,765 overall.
On the other hand, the SSA provides the Trial Work Program, which allows beneficiaries to return to work without losing their benefits right away. In 2025, a monthly income of up to $1,160 is considered a “trial month.” If this amount is exceeded by more than nine months within a 60-month period, benefits will be suspended.
