If you are disabled and you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, those benefits are likely an important source of financial stability and security while you are unable to work and earn an income as you otherwise would. As a result, it is understandable that you may plan your budget and your spending habits based on when you will receive your disability check each month. The good news is that planning and budgeting are possible because the Social Security Administration pays benefits on a fairly routine schedule. Let’s take a closer look at typical benefit payment schedules together.
What Types of Benefits Are Available?
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you may know that the Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefit programs. These benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Each type of benefit is paid on a different schedule.
Social Security Disability Insurance
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or SSDI benefits for short, are benefits that the Social Security Administration offers to eligible “insured” individuals. What does it mean to be “insured”? Essentially, it means that you worked a job for a sufficient time and regularly paid taxes from your salary into the Social Security system. In addition, in order to receive these benefits, an individual must have a qualifying medical disability that has lasted for one continuous calendar year or more.
The Social Security Administration typically pays SSDI benefits on a set schedule. For those who began receiving benefits before May of 1997, benefits are paid on the insert here of the month. For everyone who began receiving benefits after 1997, however, benefits are paid according to birthdate as follows:
- If the applicant’s birthdate occurs on the first through the 10th of the month, the SSDI payment will arrive on the second Wednesday of each month.
- If the applicant’s birthdate occurs on the 11th through the 20th of the month, SSDI benefits will be paid on the third Wednesday of each month.
- If the applicant’s birthdate occurs between the 21st and the 31st of the month, the SSDI payment will be made on the fourth Wednesday of that month.
Although the amount for each individual will depend on these factors, there is a certain maximum limit to monthly SSDI benefits each year. In 2024, the maximum amount of SSDI that an individual can receive each month is $3,822. In 2025, that number is expected to be $4018.
Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI for short, is the second type of disability benefit program offered by the Social Security Administration. Unlike the SSDI program, SSI benefits are not funded by employment taxes. Instead, this program is financed through general tax revenue, and as a result, individuals do not have to be “insured” to be approved for benefits.
Instead, this program is intended for individuals with lower income and resources. Each year, the Social Security Administration limits the amount that an individual can have assets to be considered eligible. Consulting with an attorney regarding your particular eligibility is always advised.
As is the case with SSDI benefits, in order to be approved for SSI benefits, an individual must also have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them unable to work for a period of at least one continuous calendar year or more.
Those who receive SSI benefits will typically receive them on the first of the month. We are often asked what happens if the first Friday of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday – and that is an understandable question. In those cases, SSI benefits are generally paid on the Friday preceding the holiday or weekend. As a result, this can sometimes mean that an individual receives more than one payment per month, one at the beginning and one at the end.
As is the case with SSDI benefits, the amount of SSI benefits an individual receives does not depend upon the particular condition here she has, but rather upon their income and resource level, among other factors.
National Disability Experts – Here For You
At National Disability Experts, we know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits. We also know that the law can sometimes seem complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. Instead of worrying and wondering about when your benefits will come or how to pursue those benefits in the first place, you can call us. When you do, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your claim is in good hands. We’ll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf, and we’re ready to get started today. If you are too, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.