If you’re a disability worker receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it’s important to confirm whether your payment will be deposited into your bank account on the fourth Wednesday of March.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes three large payment groups each month, directing funds to eligible recipients of the federal SSDI program.
For March 2025, individuals who are part of the third payment group (those born between the 21st and 31st of any month) will receive their SSDI payment on March 26, 2025.
On average, SSDI beneficiaries will receive $1,580 per month in 2025, though some may be eligible for up to $4,018, depending on their work history and contribution levels to Social Security taxes. The payment amount is further adjusted with a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025.
SSDI Eligibility Criteria: What You Need to Know
Qualifying for SSDI benefits isn’t as simple as just claiming a disability. Your application must include several essential factors, including a sufficient history of FICA contributions (Social Security taxes), which must meet specific work credit requirements for the claim to be processed.
Work Credit Requirements for SSDI
To qualify for SSDI benefits, applicants need to fulfill certain work credit requirements:
- 20 work credits are required from the last 10 years before the disability (approximately 5 years of work).
- Younger applicants may need fewer credits. For example, individuals under 24 only need 6 credits.
Credits are earned by making a minimum annual income, which in 2025 is $1,810 per credit. You can earn up to 4 credits per year, with a total of $7,240 needed to earn the maximum credits for SSDI eligibility.
Medical Condition and Disability
The condition you claim must be serious enough to prevent you from engaging in any gainful employment activities (SGA). In 2025, the SGA income limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for those who are blind.
Some of the conditions that are often approved for SSDI benefits include:
- Advanced cancer
- Multiple sclerosis
- Severe heart disease
- Disabling mental disorders (such as schizophrenia)
- Spinal cord injuries
If your condition is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of disabilities, the SSA will evaluate whether it hinders your ability to work in any relevant job (functional residual capacity).
Other Eligibility Requirements
Additional requirements include:
- You must be a legal citizen or hold a qualifying immigrant status, with up-to-date documentation.
- You must be between 18 and 65 years old.
- No other benefits should be received at the time of application (although benefits convert automatically to retirement after the age of 65).
Individuals who do not meet these criteria, such as those who have a disability for less than 12 months, lack enough work credits, or exceed the SGA income limit, are not eligible for SSDI. However, family members of the disabled person may qualify for additional benefits. This includes:
- Children under 18 years of age.
- Spouses or ex-spouses who care for a disabled child (under 18 years old) or who are over 62 years old.
SSDI Benefit Overview for 2025
The average SSDI benefit in 2025 is $1,580 per month, with the possibility of higher amounts based on the individual’s work history and contributions.
The maximum possible SSDI payment for those with a significant contribution record is $4,018 per month. This amount includes the 2.5% COLA adjustment to account for inflation and rising living costs.
| SSDI Eligibility Group | Average Monthly Payment | Maximum Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| All SSDI Beneficiaries | $1,580 | $4,018 |
In March 2025, SSDI recipients born between the 21st and 31st of any month can expect their payments on March 26, 2025.
To ensure eligibility, you must meet the necessary work credit and disability requirements, and it is essential to stay informed about the changes in SSDI payment amounts and eligibility criteria.
Beneficiaries who qualify for higher benefits will see adjusted payment amounts, reflecting the 2.5% cost-of-living increase for 2025.
FAQs
How can I qualify for SSDI benefits?
To qualify, you need sufficient work credits, a serious disability that prevents work, and meet other criteria, such as age and legal status.
How much can I earn while receiving SSDI?
In 2025, the SGA income limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month, and for blind individuals, it’s $2,700 per month.
Will SSDI automatically convert to retirement benefits?
Yes, after the age of 65, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits.
Can my family members receive SSDI benefits?
Yes, spouses or children under 18 of SSDI recipients may be eligible for additional benefits, depending on the circumstances.