The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is rolling out important adjustments for 2025. These changes cover payment increases, income limits, and new administrative rules that affect how beneficiaries interact with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If you receive SSDI—or are applying—here’s what you need to know.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
To keep up with inflation, SSDI payments will rise by 2.5% starting January 2025. The adjustment is automatic, so beneficiaries don’t need to take any action. This increase helps protect the purchasing power of monthly checks as living costs rise.
Updated Income Limits for Work Eligibility
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit has been raised, which determines how much beneficiaries can earn before risking benefit loss.
Non-blind individuals: $1,620 per month (up from $1,470 in 2024).
Legally blind individuals: $2,700 per month (up from $2,460 in 2024).
Work Credit Requirements in 2025
To qualify for SSDI, applicants must meet work credit rules:
One credit is earned for every $1,810 in earnings (up from $1,730 in 2024).
A maximum of four credits per year can be earned ($7,240 in annual earnings).
Most applicants need 40 credits total, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability onset.
Special Rule for ALS Patients
Applicants diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) no longer face the five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits. Payments begin immediately after approval, thanks to the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019.
Administrative and Service Changes
The SSA has introduced changes to make information clearer and office visits more organized:
COLA notifications will now be sent in a simplified, one-page format with clear benefit details.
Starting January 6, 2025, mandatory appointments will be required at SSA field offices for most in-person services, including card requests. Walk-ins will no longer be accepted in most cases.
Expanded services through mySocialSecurity online portal will allow users to update personal details and report income changes digitally, reducing the need for office visits.
Trial Work Period (TWP) Updates
The Trial Work Period allows beneficiaries to test working without losing benefits for nine months. For 2025:
A month counts as a trial work month if earnings exceed $1,160 (up from $1,050 in 2024).
After nine months, beneficiaries enter a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During this time, benefits are suspended if earnings go above SGA but can restart automatically if income falls again, without filing a new claim.
Potential Reforms Under Discussion
Congress and policymakers are considering further reforms that may be adopted in future years:
Flexible Trial Work Periods – proposals suggest spreading trial months over a longer time instead of nine consecutive months.
Faster approvals – especially for severe and terminal conditions listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, aiming to reduce long waiting times.
Simplified work history reviews – a 2023 change reducing the required documentation for past work remains active for 2025, easing the claims process.
SSDI beneficiaries in 2025 can expect higher monthly payments, more generous work limits, and updated office procedures. The COLA boost provides a cushion against inflation, while administrative changes aim to simplify the process and expand digital access.
Though some reforms are still under discussion, the confirmed updates already mark significant steps in improving disability benefits. Staying informed will help beneficiaries plan better for income, work opportunities, and ongoing support.
