Good news for millions of Americans relying on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) — the second round of May payments is officially being disbursed this week. Beneficiaries can expect deposits of up to $4,018, depending on their eligibility and lifetime earnings record.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a structured payment schedule each month, which ensures that all eligible recipients receive their benefits on time.
Here’s everything you need to know about the second SSDI payment of May 2025, including who gets it, how much they can receive, and how to check your deposit status.
SSDI May 2025 Payment Schedule: Why Are There Multiple Payments?
Social Security Disability Insurance payments are not sent to all recipients on the same date. Instead, the SSA follows a staggered distribution system based on beneficiaries’ birthdays.
- May 8, 2025: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- May 15, 2025: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
- May 22, 2025: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st.
The first round of payments went out on May 8. Now, the second round is scheduled for May 15, and the final round will be on May 22.
Note: This applies only to those who began receiving SSDI benefits after May 1997. Those who started before this date receive their benefits on the 3rd of every month, regardless of their birth date.
How Much Will You Receive?
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI payment is $4,018. However, not everyone qualifies for the maximum amount. The actual payment varies depending on:
- Your average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled.
- Your work history.
- The number of eligible dependents in your household (such as children or spouses).
On average, most SSDI recipients receive around $1,537 per month. Those with higher income and longer work records before disability are eligible for more.
Who Is Eligible for This SSDI Payment?
To receive the second SSDI payment in May, you must:
- Be approved for SSDI benefits.
- Have a birthday between the 11th and 20th of any month.
- Have started receiving SSDI after May 1997.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) alongside SSDI, your SSI is usually paid on the 1st of the month, and your SSDI is paid according to the birthday-based schedule.
How to Check If You’ve Received Your SSDI Deposit?
If you’re unsure whether your SSDI deposit has arrived:
- Log in to your bank account to check the direct deposit status.
- Use your ‘My Social Security’ account for deposit tracking.
- Call the Social Security helpline at 1-800-772-1213 for payment-related queries.
You can also sign up for text or email alerts from the SSA to get notified when your payment is issued.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed?
Sometimes, SSDI payments may be delayed due to:
- Banking holidays.
- Technical issues at financial institutions.
- Incomplete account information on SSA records.
If your payment hasn’t arrived within 3 business days of your scheduled date:
- Contact your bank to rule out internal issues.
- Reach out to the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Double-check that your direct deposit details are accurate on your ‘my Social Security’ account.
It’s always a good idea to keep your banking information and contact details up to date with SSA to avoid disruptions in receiving your benefits.
What Else to Expect in 2025?
The 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has increased benefits slightly, helping SSDI recipients cope with inflation. This means that if you were receiving SSDI in 2024, your monthly check in 2025 would have gone up by 3.2%.
For example, if you were receiving $1,500 per month in 2024, your payment would now be around $1,548 in 2025.
This increase applies automatically — you don’t need to apply separately for COLA.
SSDI vs SSI: Know the Difference
Many people confuse SSDI with SSI (Supplemental Security Income). While both are disability-related benefits, they have different eligibility rules:
- SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
- SSI is for low-income individuals, including seniors and disabled persons with limited work history.
Some people qualify for both, known as concurrent benefits.
Final Thoughts
The second SSDI payment of May 2025 is now being disbursed to millions of eligible Americans. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you should check your bank account or SSA account to track your deposit.
With payouts going up to $4,018, it’s important to stay informed and make sure your payment information is accurate and up to date. If you’re facing issues or delays, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA directly or access your online account.