Types of Social Security Disability Payments

There are two primary types of Social Security Disability benefits:

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance):

• SSDI is based on your work history and how much you’ve paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked for a certain number of years and earned enough work credits.
• SSDI payments are made to those who have a long enough work history but are unable to work due to a severe disability.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income):

• SSI is a needs-based program designed for individuals with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require you to have worked, but it is based on your financial need.
• SSI payments are made to those who meet the income and resource limits set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and have a qualifying disability.

How is the Amount of Social Security Disability Payments Determined?

The amount of your Social Security Disability payment depends on various factors, including:

SSDI Payments:

• For SSDI, your monthly payment amount is determined by your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. The SSA uses a formula based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is calculated from your work history.
• Your SSDI payment will generally range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per month, depending on how much you have earned over your working life. The maximum SSDI payment in 2025 is $3,627 per month, though most people receive less than the maximum.

SSI Payments:

• For SSI, the payment amount is determined by the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which is set by the SSA each year. The FBR is the maximum amount you can receive if you have no other income. For 2025, the FBR is $914 per month for an individual and $1,371 for a couple.
• SSI payments may be reduced if you have any additional income, such as wages or unearned income (e.g., Social Security benefits from a spouse, child support, or other government assistance).

How Often Are Social Security Disability Payments Made?

Social Security Disability payments are typically made on a monthly basis. Here’s how the payment schedule works:

SSDI Payments:

• SSDI payments are generally made on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. If your birthday is on the 1st through the 10th of the month, your payment will be made on the second Wednesday. If your birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, you’ll receive your payment on the third Wednesday, and if it’s between the 21st and the 31st, your payment will be made on the fourth Wednesday.

SSI Payments:

• SSI payments are typically made on the 1st of each month. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payments will be issued on the preceding business day. Unlike SSDI, the timing of SSI payments is fixed each month.

How Are Payments Issued?

Payments for both SSDI and SSI can be issued in the following ways:

Direct Deposit:

• The SSA encourages recipients to set up direct deposit for faster, more reliable payments. Your monthly benefit will be deposited directly into your bank account.

Direct Express Card:

• If you don’t have a bank account, the SSA will issue your payments to a Direct Express card, which works like a debit card and can be used to withdraw cash or make purchases.

Paper Checks:

• While most people now receive their payments through direct deposit or the Direct Express card, you can still receive a paper check if you don’t opt for electronic payments.

What Happens If Your Social Security Disability Payments Stop?

There are several reasons why your Social Security Disability payments could stop, including:

Medical Improvement:

• The SSA may stop your disability benefits if they determine that your condition has improved enough for you to return to work. However, if you’re still unable to work, you can appeal this decision.

Failure to Report Changes:

• You are required to report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition. Failure to do so can result in suspension or termination of benefits.

Reaching Full Retirement Age:

• If you are receiving SSDI and reach full retirement age (usually 66 or 67, depending on your birth year), your disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits. The amount will remain the same, but you will no longer be considered disabled under the SSA’s guidelines.

What Happens If My Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied?

If your Social Security Disability claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be long, but it’s possible to have your benefits reinstated if you can provide additional evidence or go through the various levels of appeal, including:

Request for Reconsideration:

• If your initial claim is denied, you can ask for a reconsideration of the decision.

Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ):

• If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ, who will review your case and decide whether to approve your benefits.

Appeals Council:

• If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.



Federal Court:

• If the Appeals Council denies your case, you can file a lawsuit in federal court to challenge the decision.