Getting monthly SSDI payments can be a big help for people who can’t work due to health problems. Many Americans receive this money through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
Let’s talk about who gets these payments, when they get them, and how much they can expect.This is a simple guide to help you understand how it all works.
What is SSDI and Who Can Get It?
SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. It gives money every month to people who worked before but can’t work now because of a serious health issue. To get SSDI, you must have worked for a certain number of years and paid Social Security taxes. These work years turn into “credits.” You need enough credits based on your age when you became disabled.
Even though the rules can be tricky, don’t worry. We’ll break it down so it’s easy to follow.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need?
Your age decides how many work credits you need for SSDI. Here’s a simple guide:
If you became disabled before age 24: You usually need 6 work credits. That means you must have worked 1.5 years during the last 3 years before becoming disabled.
If your disability started between ages 24 and 31: You need to have worked for about half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled. For example, if you became disabled at 27, you would need 3 years of work or 12 credits.
If you’re 31 or older: You need at least 20 work credits in the 10 years before your disability. That means working at least 5 out of those 10 years. Older people may need more credits—up to 40 credits in total.
Everyone’s case is different. These are general rules, but your situation may not be exactly the same. You should always check with the Social Security office for your exact details.
When Will You Get the Next SSDI Payment?
The government uses your birthday to decide when you’ll get paid. Since 1997, they split SSDI payments into 3 groups each month:
| Birth Date | May 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | May 14, 2025 |
| 11th–20th | May 21, 2025 |
| 21st–31st | May 28, 2025 |
If you started receiving SSDI before May 1997 or if you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment might come on the 3rd of the month.
The May 14 payment is the next one. It’s for people with birthdays between the 1st and the 10th of any month. This group includes disabled workers and some of their family members.
How Much Will You Get?
Not everyone gets the same amount from SSDI. Your past earnings decide how much you’ll receive.
- The maximum SSDI payment for May 2025 is $4,018.
- The average monthly payment is around $1,580.
- A disabled worker with a spouse and children gets about $2,826 per month on average.
Very few people get the maximum amount. To get over $4,000, you would need to have earned a high income for many years before becoming disabled.
How Many People Get SSDI?
In April 2025, about 8.24 million people were receiving SSDI. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Group | Estimated People |
|---|---|
| Total SSDI Users | 8.24 million |
| First Payment Group | 2.66 million |
| Disabled Workers | 72% of group |
This shows that a big number of Americans rely on SSDI to help with daily living.
Final Thoughts
SSDI is a lifeline for millions of people who can’t work due to serious health conditions. If you’ve worked and paid into Social Security, you might be able to get help through this program.
Knowing your work credits, your payment date, and how much you could receive can make life a little easier. If you think you qualify but haven’t applied yet, it’s worth checking with the Social Security Administration.
FAQs
Who gets SSDI payments next week?
People with birthdays between 1st and 10th.
What is the max SSDI payment?
What is the average SSDI amount?
Around $1,580 monthly.
How do I know my SSDI pay date?
It’s based on your birthday.
Do I need work credits for SSDI?
Yes, based on your age.
