Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries are receiving some much-needed relief this week, as the first of three deposits for May 2025 arrive, with payments going up to $4,018. This is thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) applied to the benefits this year, which has resulted in an increase in the maximum monthly payment.
If you’re an SSDI recipient, here’s what you need to know about the payment schedule and how much you can expect to receive.
May 2025 SSDI Payment Schedule
For May 2025, the first of three scheduled SSDI payments has already been sent out. Beneficiaries who were born between the 1st and 10th of the month saw their payments deposited into their accounts on May 14, 2025. This is the first of a three-part series of SSDI disbursements that will take place this month.
For beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month, the next deposit is set for May 21, 2025. The final payment for May, for those born between the 21st and 31st, will be issued on May 28, 2025.
SSDI Payment Amounts in 2025
The maximum SSDI benefit amount for 2025 has been set at $4,018 per month. This increase is due to the 2.5% COLA that has been applied to SSDI payments this year, which helps recipients keep up with inflation. The COLA adjustment was announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure that beneficiaries’ purchasing power doesn’t diminish over time, especially as living costs continue to rise.
While $4,018 is the maximum SSDI benefit, many recipients will receive less depending on their individual work history and the amount of their lifetime earnings. The exact payment each individual receives is based on their average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) and the number of work credits they have accrued over their career.
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
The SSDI payments for May 2025 apply to individuals who began receiving SSDI benefits after May 1997. If you started receiving SSDI before that date or if you receive both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment schedule may differ.
In those cases, SSDI and SSI recipients typically receive their payments on the 3rd of each month. However, in May 2025, this payment date was adjusted to May 2 due to the 3rd falling on a weekend. It’s important for recipients to check their payment schedules carefully to ensure they know exactly when their deposit will arrive.
Payment Delivery Methods
SSDI payments are generally delivered through one of two methods: direct deposit or a Direct Express Debit MasterCard. Beneficiaries who opted for direct deposit will see their payments directly deposited into their bank accounts on the scheduled payment date.
For those who receive their benefits on a Direct Express Debit MasterCard, the payments will be loaded onto the card and can be accessed on the payment date as well. This method is typically for individuals who do not have a bank account or prefer to manage their funds using a prepaid debit card.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If you are an SSDI recipient and haven’t received your payment on the scheduled date, there are a few steps you can take. The first step is to check your payment status online using the Social Security Administration’s Check Your Payment Status page. This online tool allows you to confirm whether your payment has been processed and when it was issued.
If you still haven’t received your payment and the payment status shows that it has been issued, you can contact the SSA directly through their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Be prepared for potential wait times, as the SSA’s customer service lines can get busy.
Additional Resources
For more information on SSDI payments, eligibility, and schedules, visit the official Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov. The SSA’s website offers a variety of resources for SSDI recipients, including how to apply for benefits, check payment status, and access important updates about your benefits.
Conclusion
As we move through May 2025, SSDI beneficiaries can expect their payments to arrive in three parts, with the first deposit already having been made this week. With the COLA increase, some beneficiaries will see up to $4,018 deposited into their accounts. Make sure to check your payment date based on your birth month, and if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the SSA for assistance.
