The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to follow its structured payment schedule for SSDI benefits. In January 2025, payments of up to $4,018 will be distributed, but not everyone is eligible.
Beneficiaries will receive approximately $1,530 per month, which is the projected average for 2025. The SSA set the cost of living adjustment (COLA) at 2.5% until December, which covered all payments.
SSDI benefits: Payments of up to $4,018 for those who qualify
SSDI covers individuals who are unable to work due to a serious medical condition that is expected to last at least a year or cause death. This program provides critical financial assistance, but applicants must meet stringent requirements imposed by the SSA.
To be eligible, applicants must have earned enough work credits by contributing to Social Security through payroll taxes. At least 40 credits are required, with 20 earned within the last 10 years before the disability began.
The SSA considers whether an applicant’s medical condition meets the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which determines the level of income considered “substantial work.” We’ll look into that later.
The SSDI payment schedule: one more payment is pending in January
In January 2025, SSDI payments will be made according to this schedule: The first payment was made on January 8 for beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month. On January 15, those born between the 11th and 20th will receive their second payment.
On January 22, the third payment will be distributed to those born between the 21st and 31st. Additionally, on January 31, an advance payment of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for February will be issued.
If you receive both SSI and SSDI, you can expect your February payment earlier. Normally, it should be sent on the first, but it is a Saturday: SSA does not send payments on weekends or holidays, preferring to advance them on the next business day.
What is the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA Limit?
The SGA limit for 2025 is an important aspect of SSDI. This limit defines the maximum monthly income that a beneficiary can earn from work without losing eligibility for benefits.
In 2025, the SGA limit is set at $1,530 per month for non-blind beneficiaries and $2,700 for legally blind individuals. These limits are adjusted annually based on the COLA.
The SGA affects both initial and ongoing eligibility for benefits. If a beneficiary’s income exceeds this threshold, they may have their payments suspended or denied. This program requires participants to understand the rules that apply to their situation.
Another important benefit of SSDI is that it extends to disabled adult children, who can receive payments based on their parents’ work history.
Adult children with disabilities can claim up to 50% of their parents’ monthly SSDI benefits. However, if other family members are eligible for benefits, the entire amount available may be distributed among them, affecting individual payments.
Also See:- Only Two Groups of Social Security Beneficiaries Have Pending Payments in January
