The Social Security Administration (SSA) has outlined the official schedule for September 2025 benefit payments, which depend on the recipient’s birthday or status within the program. Below is the breakdown of the payment dates for SSDI and SSI recipients in September 2025.
September 3, 2025: Payments for Disability Recipients Before May 1997
On Wednesday, September 3, deposits will be made for individuals who started receiving disability benefits (SSDI) before May 1997. Additionally, those who receive both SSDI and SSI will have their payments made on this day. The SSA schedules these payments together for administrative convenience.
September 10, 2025: SSDI Payments for Birthdays Between the 1st and 10th
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, SSDI payments will be made to individuals born between the 1st and 10th of any month. This is a routine distribution for those whose birthday falls within this range.
September 17, 2025: SSDI Payments for Birthdays Between the 11th and 20th
The following Wednesday, September 17, 2025, payments will be distributed for individuals whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month. This marks the second round of payments for those with the designated birth date range.
September 24, 2025: SSDI Payments for Birthdays Between the 21st and 31st
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the final round of SSDI payments will be made. This payment will cover recipients born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
SSDI Payment Amounts for September 2025
The SSA uses an individual’s work history to determine the amount of their SSDI benefits. While each person’s payment amount is unique, the SSA has provided benchmark figures for 2025 after a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Average Payment: $1,540 per month
Minimum Payment: $967 per month
Maximum Payment: $4,018 per month
The amount someone receives is calculated using a formula based on the individual’s Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which factors in past earnings. The SSA applies specific bend points to AIME to determine the amount of the benefit:
90% of the first $1,226
32% of the amount between $1,226 and $7,391
15% of any amount above $7,391
SSDI Eligibility Requirements
The SSA’s eligibility requirements for SSDI are strict, with criteria on both medical and work history:
Work Credits: Typically, 40 credits are required, with 20 of them earned in the last 10 years before disability begins. Younger workers may need fewer credits.
Disability Definition: To qualify, the medical condition must prevent the person from performing a substantial gainful activity (SGA). The condition must either last for at least 12 months or be terminal. The condition must also be listed in the SSA’s “Blue Book” or be as severe as those listed.
Income Limits: For 2025, the work limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620 per month. For blind or legally blind individuals, the limit is $2,700 per month. Earning above these limits can affect eligibility for SSDI benefits.
Waiting Period: There is a mandatory five-month waiting period after the onset of disability before benefits begin, although eligibility is established during this time.
Transition to Electronic Payments by September 30, 2025
As part of an effort to streamline operations and reduce costs, the SSA will no longer issue benefit payments by paper check starting on September 30, 2025. All federal benefit payments must be made electronically. Recipients must set up electronic payment methods, such as:
Direct Deposit into a personal bank account
Direct Express Debit Card
This change is designed to reduce administrative costs, minimize fraud and theft, and ensure faster delivery of benefits. Individuals still receiving paper checks should contact the SSA now to switch to an electronic payment method to avoid any interruptions in their benefits.
