A fresh round of disability benefit payments from the Veterans Affairs (VA) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is expected shortly.
While SSDI beneficiaries can look forward to receiving their payments on March 26, those eligible for VA benefits will need to wait until April 1.
In addition, a new policy requiring in-person identity verification will begin in April, as announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
SSDI Payments for March
The last SSDI payment for March is scheduled for March 26, as confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
This payment will only apply to individuals with birthdays falling between the 21st and 31st of any month, and who began receiving their benefits after May 1997.
Beneficiaries who do not meet these criteria will receive their payments on later dates, according to the SSA schedule.
VA Disability Payments and Maximum Benefit Amounts
For VA disability recipients, payments will be disbursed on April 1, the same day that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive their monthly payments.
This is part of the regular VA payment cycle, which always occurs on the first business day of each month. Unlike SSDI, there are no additional eligibility requirements for VA benefits beyond the initial approval.
Veterans, their dependents (such as spouses and children), survivors, and parents of dependent veterans are eligible to receive VA benefits. The maximum amount for SSDI benefits in 2025 is $4,018 per month, for those who meet the SSA’s requirements.
On the other hand, VA disability benefits vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, but VA.gov reports a maximum of $3,831.30 per month. This amount can change based on factors like the number of dependents, including a spouse, or whether the veteran supports their parents.
| Benefit Type | Maximum Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| SSDI | $4,018 |
| VA Benefits | $3,831.30 |
Changes to Social Security Identity Verification
In a significant shift, starting in April, all Social Security recipients—including those receiving SSDI, SSI, and retirement benefits—will be required to verify their identity in person at SSA offices.
This change is being implemented under the oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and was initially promoted during the Trump administration. Its aim is to strengthen federal oversight of spending and reduce fraud within the Social Security system, as stated in official documents.
This new requirement replaces the previous process, which allowed recipients to authenticate their identities online. Organizations like the AARP have raised concerns, particularly for older adults and rural residents, who may face logistical challenges when attempting to visit SSA offices in person.
Beneficiaries who fail to complete the in-person verification by the established deadline may face suspended payments.
The DOGE, led by Donald Trump and overseen by Elon Musk, justified the change following audits that identified fraudulent payments made to individuals who were deceased. The DOGE explained that unverified accounts would be marked as inactive or fraudulent, affecting both new applicants and those already receiving benefits—regardless of age or location.
The upcoming disbursement of disability benefits from the VA and SSDI marks an important update for many recipients.
As March and April payments are being distributed, the implementation of new identity verification procedures adds an extra layer of responsibility for all Social Security beneficiaries. It’s crucial for individuals to stay informed about these changes to avoid interruptions in their benefits.
FAQs
What is the new payment schedule for SSDI and VA benefits in March and April?
SSDI payments for March will be issued on March 26 for eligible recipients, while VA disability payments will be distributed on April 1, the same date as SSI payments.
Who is eligible for the SSDI payment on March 26?
Only those with birthdays between March 21 and March 31, who began receiving benefits after May 1997, will be eligible for the payment on March 26.
How much can SSDI recipients expect to receive in 2025?
The maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $4,018, provided recipients meet the required criteria.