If you’re collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), there’s good news on the horizon. A special early payment of up to $4,018 may land in your account as soon as May 10, 2025. This early deposit is part of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) structured disbursement plan, and it mainly applies to long-time beneficiaries and those who receive both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
In this guide, we’ll break down who qualifies, how SSDI amounts are calculated, and what you need to do to ensure timely delivery. Whether this is your first SSDI year or you’ve been receiving it for decades, this info will keep you ahead of the game.
Payment
May 10, 2025, is a date to mark on your calendar. If you qualify for early SSDI disbursement, this is when your funds may be sent. This happens when regular pay dates fall on a weekend or holiday.
In this case, May 3—the usual payment date for some—is a Saturday, pushing payments to Friday, May 10.
Here’s how the SSA payment schedule works:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Early SSDI Payment | Friday, May 10, 2025 |
| Early Eligibility | Received SSDI before May 1997 or also get SSI |
| Max SSDI Benefit | $4,018/month in 2025 |
| Avg SSDI Benefit | About $1,580/month |
| SSI Payment Dates | May 1 and May 30 |
| COLA Increase | 2.5% for 2025 |
Eligibility
So who exactly gets the May 10 payment? There are two key groups:
- Received SSDI Before May 1997
If you’ve been getting SSDI for a long time—specifically before May 1997—then you’re usually paid on the 3rd of each month. Since May 3, 2025, is a Saturday, you’ll get paid on Friday, May 10. - Receiving Both SSDI and SSI
If you’re a dual recipient of SSDI and SSI, your benefits are typically consolidated and paid early in the month. This streamlined process ensures both payments hit close together.
Schedule
If you don’t fall into either early group, then your SSDI payments will follow the normal SSA birthday schedule:
- May 14, 2025: Birthdays from 1st to 10th
- May 21, 2025: Birthdays from 11th to 20th
- May 28, 2025: Birthdays from 21st to 31st
The SSA always distributes benefits on Wednesdays for those on the regular schedule. This allows them to spread out processing.
Amount
While $4,018 is the maximum SSDI benefit for 2025, most people won’t receive that amount. It’s reserved for high earners who:
- Worked for at least 35 years
- Made close to the annual maximum taxable income ($168,600 in 2025)
- Waited until full retirement age (typically 67) to claim benefits
For everyone else, the average SSDI check is about $1,580 per month. Your amount depends on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which takes your lifetime wages into account.
Double
If you’re also receiving SSI, you’ll notice two payments this May—on the 1st and the 30th. Why? Because the regular June 1 payment falls on a Sunday, it’s moved up to Friday, May 30.
This happens multiple times a year. It’s not an extra payment—just an early one to keep the schedule flowing smoothly.
Tips
To make sure you get your payment without a hitch, follow these simple steps:
- Set Up Direct Deposit: It’s faster, safer, and far more reliable than waiting on a paper check. Log in to your My Social Security account and make sure your banking info is accurate.
- Paper Checks? Plan Ahead: If you still receive a physical check, wait three business days before reporting it missing. Mail delays can happen, so don’t panic too early.
- Check the SSA Calendar: The official SSA 2025 payment calendar lists every pay date. Keep it handy or bookmark it to avoid surprises.
Whether you’re managing medical bills, rent, or daily expenses, knowing exactly when and how much you’ll receive in SSDI can bring peace of mind. That May 10 payment might just help you breathe a little easier—so long as you’re eligible and prepared.
FAQs
Who gets SSDI early on May 10?
Those receiving SSDI before May 1997 or also getting SSI.
What’s the max SSDI payment in 2025?
Up to $4,018 per month for high lifetime earners.
Why are there two SSI payments in May?
June’s SSI payment arrives early due to a weekend.
When will I get SSDI if born May 5?
You’ll likely receive it on May 14, 2025.
How can I get SSDI faster?
Use direct deposit via your My Social Security account.
