If you or a loved one receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), this week could bring welcome news. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is distributing payments to more disabled workers, and some may receive checks as high as $4,018, depending on their benefit level and earnings history.
Who’s Getting Paid This Week?
SSDI payments are sent out in a staggered schedule based on your date of birth. According to the Social Security Administration, the May 2025 payment schedule is as follows:
- May 8: For those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- May 15: For those born between the 11th and 20th
- May 22: For those born between the 21st and 31st
That means those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st will receive their SSDI checks this Wednesday, May 22. These payments are usually deposited directly into bank accounts or sent by mail, depending on the recipient’s chosen method.
How Much Will SSDI Recipients Receive?
The exact amount varies by person, but SSDI benefits are tied to your past earnings. For 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $4,018, according to the SSA. However, the average monthly benefit is closer to $1,537.
Your monthly SSDI amount is determined by:
- Your average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled
- Whether you receive other government benefits
- Any cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) applied
Most recipients won’t see the maximum, but many will notice an increase compared to last year thanks to the 3.2% COLA that went into effect in January 2025. The SSA confirmed the COLA in its official announcement.
What You Need to Know About SSDI Payments
The Social Security Administration sends SSDI benefits to around 8.8 million disabled workers, making it a vital support system for millions of American households. This week’s payment marks the final round of May’s scheduled benefits.
Here are a few key reminders for recipients:
- If your banking info changed recently, log in to your My Social Security account to update it immediately.
- If your payment is delayed more than 3 business days, contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213
- Be aware of scams. The SSA will never call you to ask for personal information or payment
According to CNBC, delays are rare, but system backlogs or bank errors can occasionally cause disruptions.
What to Expect for the Rest of 2025
SSDI recipients can expect their monthly payments to remain stable unless another COLA adjustment is announced for 2026. The SSA typically announces that adjustment in October based on inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Planning ahead? Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Next SSDI payment dates:
- June 12, 19, and 26 (based on birth dates)
- Annual earnings report deadlines apply to some SSDI recipients
- Keep an eye on SSA announcements regarding policy changes or future COLAs
Conclusion
This week’s SSDI payments offer critical financial support to millions of disabled Americans. If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, keep an eye on your account for your direct deposit on Wednesday, May 22.
Stay informed and follow us for more updates on Social Security, benefit changes, and payment schedules.
This article was written by John Deluca. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.
