If you rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or you’re thinking about applying for benefits in 2025, you probably have one big question: How much will my SSDI payment be next year?
At Collins Price, we know that living on a fixed income can be stressful. Many of our clients depend on every dollar to cover food, rent, medical bills, and other basic needs. That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-read guide to help you understand the average SSDI payment in 2025, what can change it, and what you can do if you’re not sure how your benefit amount is calculated.
Who Gets SSDI Payments?
Before we talk about numbers, let’s look at who gets SSDI.
SSDI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work because of a serious health condition or disability.
To qualify, you must have:
-
A medical condition that keeps you from working for at least 12 months (or is expected to be fatal)
-
Enough work credits from past jobs where you paid Social Security taxes
If you’re just starting to learn about SSDI, check out How to Apply for Social Security Disability on our blog for more basics.
What Is the Average SSDI Payment in 2025?
Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts SSDI payments to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living. This is called a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
In 2024, the average SSDI benefit for a disabled worker was about $1,537 per month. For 2025, SSA issued a modest COLA increase — around 3% — due to recent trends in inflation and wage data.
That means the average SSDI payment in 2025 will be roughly $1,580 to $1,590 per month for a single disabled worker.
Keep in mind, this is just an average. Your personal SSDI check might be higher or lower. Many people receive between $1,200 and $2,000 per month, depending on their work history.
What Affects Your SSDI Payment?
Your SSDI amount depends on your lifetime earnings — not your current income or your household income.
Here’s what can affect it:
-
Your past income: The more you earned and paid into Social Security, the higher your benefit.
-
Your work credits: You need enough credits to qualify, but they don’t directly raise or lower the amount.
-
Your filing age: SSDI benefits are not reduced for age — they’re based only on your disability and earnings.
-
Family benefits: Some family members (like your children or spouse) may also qualify for extra payments based on your record.
Can SSDI Payments Be Increased?
There are only a few ways your SSDI payment can go up:
-
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): These happen automatically every year if inflation rises.
-
Family benefits: If you have dependent children under 18 or a spouse who qualifies, your household benefit could be higher.
-
Work incentives: In rare cases, if you return to limited work under SSA’s “trial work period,” you may earn income without losing all benefits — but this must be done carefully to avoid losing SSDI completely.
When Will I Get My SSDI Payments?
SSDI payments come once a month. Your payment date depends on your birthday:
-
If your birthday is the 1st–10th: You’re paid on the second Wednesday.
-
If your birthday is the 11th–20th: You’re paid on the third Wednesday.
-
If your birthday is the 21st–31st: You’re paid on the fourth Wednesday.
To learn more, read our post on the Social Security Disability Payment Schedule.
How Taxes and Deductions Affect Your SSDI Check
Some people don’t expect taxes or deductions to affect their SSDI, but they can.
-
Taxes: Most people do not pay federal taxes on SSDI if they have no other income. If you have other income — like a spouse’s job or investments — you may owe taxes on part of your SSDI.
-
Garnishments: Some debts, like unpaid child support or federal debts, can be taken out of your SSDI payment.
-
Medicare premiums: If you’re on SSDI for two years, you become eligible for Medicare. Medicare Part B premiums may be deducted from your check.
How to Check Your SSDI Benefit Amount
The best way to check your benefit is to create a my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. There you can:
-
See your estimated benefit
-
View your payment history
-
Update your direct deposit info
If you don’t have an online account, you can also call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Why Might Your SSDI Payment Be Less Than Expected?
Sometimes people are surprised when their SSDI check is smaller than they thought. Here are common reasons:
-
You have deductions (Medicare or child support)
-
You didn’t earn as much as you thought in past jobs
-
You’re receiving other benefits (like Workers’ Comp), which can lower your SSDI
If you think SSA made a mistake, you have the right to appeal. We explain how in What Do I Do If My Social Security Claim Is Denied?.
What If My SSDI Isn’t Enough?
Many disabled workers find it hard to make ends meet on SSDI alone. Here are some tips:
-
Apply for other help: Some people can get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to SSDI if their household income is very low.
-
Look for local aid: Many cities and counties offer help with food, rent, or utilities.
-
Check your budget: Some people miss out on extra benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or state programs.
Should You Work While on SSDI?
Working while on SSDI can be tricky. You may be allowed to earn a small amount each month without losing benefits — this is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
In 2025, you can earn up to about $1,470 per month ($2,460 if you’re blind) without losing your benefits. Going over these limits could cause SSA to stop your SSDI.
Before you try to work, talk to a disability lawyer to protect your benefits.
How Collins Price Can Help
At Collins Price, we help people across North Carolina get the SSDI benefits they’ve earned. We know the rules inside and out — from filing the first claim to handling tough appeals.
If you have questions about your SSDI amount, your payment schedule, or how COLA changes affect you, we’re here to help.
Next Steps: Let’s Make Sense of SSDI Together
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here’s what you can do now:
-
Create a my Social Security account to check your benefit amount.
-
Gather your work history and income info.
-
Contact us for a free consultation on your disability claim.
Visit our blog for more helpful posts about SSDI and disability law.
Questions about your SSDI payment?
Contact Collins Price today for friendly help from experienced local disability lawyers who care about getting you the benefits you deserve.
