The main changes coming to SSDI this year

Social Security Disability Insurance is changing in 2025 in three concrete ways: the monthly payment amount is increasing, the rules around how much you can earn while receiving benefits are shifting, and the agency is rolling out new online tools for managing your account. The payment increase happens automatically in January each year based on inflation. The earnings rules change affects how much money you can make from work before SSDI payments reduce. The online tools give you a new way to check your payment status and update your information without calling.

None of these changes happen automatically for everyone—some require you to take action, and some affect only people in specific situations. This guide walks through what each change means for you and what you need to do, if anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Your monthly SSDI payment amount increases each January based on the cost of living, and the 2025 increase was announced in October 2024.
  • The amount you can earn from work before your SSDI payment reduces has changed, and you need to know the new limit if you are working or planning to work.
  • Social Security is launching new online account features in 2025 that let you view your payment history and update contact information without calling the agency.
  • If you receive SSDI and also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), some changes may affect your SSI payment even if your SSDI amount stays the same.
  • The changes take effect on different dates throughout 2025, so checking your Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213 can tell you exactly when each change applies to you.

How the 2025 payment increase works

Every January, Social Security raises the monthly payment for people receiving SSDI. The increase is called a Cost-of-Living Adjustment, or COLA. The percentage goes up or down depending on inflation from the previous year. Social Security announced the 2025 COLA in October 2024, and the new payment amount took effect on January 1, 2025.

You do not need to do anything to receive this increase—it happens automatically. If you have direct deposit set up, the new amount appears in your bank account starting with the January payment. If you receive a paper check, the check amount changes automatically. The increase applies to your entire SSDI payment, including any payments to family members who receive benefits based on your work record.

The exact dollar amount of your increase depends on what you were receiving before. Social Security mailed a notice in December 2024 showing your new payment amount. If you did not receive this notice or cannot find it, you can log into your Social Security account online or call 1-800-772-1213 to see your new amount.

Changes to work earnings limits in 2025

If you receive SSDI and work, there is a limit on how much you can earn before your benefits start to reduce. This limit is called the Substantial Gainful Activity level, or SGA. The SGA amount changes each year, and the 2025 amount is higher than 2024. This means you can earn more money from work in 2025 before your SSDI payment goes down.

The SGA limit applies differently depending on your situation. If you are blind, there is a separate, higher limit. If you are not blind, the standard SGA limit is what applies to you. If your monthly earnings stay below the SGA limit, your SSDI payment does not reduce. If you earn above it, Social Security may determine that you are working at a substantial level and could review whether you still meet the definition of disability.

This does not mean you lose benefits when ready if you earn above the SGA limit. Social Security has a process called a work incentive that lets you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away. The Trial Work Period lets you work and earn any amount for nine months without any reduction to your SSDI payment. After the Trial Work Period ends, there is a 36-month Extended Period of may be able to access where your benefits reduce based on your earnings but do not stop completely. Understanding these work incentives matters if you are thinking about returning to work or increasing your hours.

New online account features launching in 2025

Social Security is adding new tools to its online account system, called my Social Security. These tools let you see your payment history, check when your next payment is coming, and update your address or phone number without calling the agency. The rollout happens throughout 2025, so not everyone will see the new features on the same date.

To use these tools, you need to create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number and either a password or a way to verify your identity using your phone or email. Once you are logged in, you can view your payment record, see the date of your next payment, and make certain changes to your account information. This is useful if you move, change your phone number, or want to check that Social Security has your correct contact details on file.

These online tools do not replace calling Social Security for complex questions or changes. If you need to report a change in your medical condition, discuss your work incentives, or ask about a specific rule, you still need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. But for routine checks and straightforward updates, the online tools save you a phone call.

How SSI payments may change if you also receive SSI

Some people receive both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a separate program that provides extra money to people with low income and limited resources. If you receive both programs, the SSDI payment increase and the earnings limit changes may affect your SSI payment as well.

SSI has its own income limits. When your SSDI payment increases, your total income goes up, which can reduce your SSI payment. The relationship between the two programs is complex because SSI counts SSDI as income but also has exclusions and deductions. If you receive both programs, Social Security will send you a notice explaining how the 2025 changes affect your SSI payment. Read this notice carefully, because your SSI amount may go down even though your SSDI amount went up.

If you work and receive both SSDI and SSI, the new earnings limits affect both programs but in different ways. SSDI has the SGA limit and work incentives. SSI has a different earnings exclusion—it does not count the first $65 of your monthly earnings plus half of the rest. Understanding both rules matters if you are working or planning to work. A Social Security representative can walk you through how your specific situation is affected.

What to do if you think a change affects you

Start by checking the notice Social Security mailed to you. These notices explain the specific changes that explore to your case and the date they take effect. If you cannot find your notice or it does not answer your question, log into your my Social Security account to see your payment amount and payment history. This shows you whether the COLA increase was applied and when.

If you work or are thinking about working, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about the 2025 SGA limit and how it applies to your situation. Have your current earnings information ready so the representative can explain exactly how much you can earn. If you receive both SSDI and SSI, ask the representative to explain how the changes affect both payments.

You can also visit a local Social Security office to discuss the changes in person. Offices are open Monday through Friday, and you can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring any notices you received and information about your current work situation if you have questions about earnings limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2025 payment increase show up in my account?

The increase took effect January 1, 2025. If you have direct deposit, the new amount appears in your bank account with your January payment. If you receive a paper check, the new amount is on the check mailed in January. You should see the increase within the first few days of the month.

If I work, how much can I earn in 2025 before my SSDI reduces?

The 2025 SGA limit is higher than 2024, but the exact amount depends on whether you are blind. Call 1-800-772-1213 and give them your situation so they can tell you the specific limit that applies to you. Remember that you have a Trial Work Period that lets you earn any amount for nine months without reduction.

Do I need to do anything to get the payment increase?

No. The COLA increase happens automatically and is applied to your account without any action on your part. If you have direct deposit, the new amount appears in your bank account. If you receive a check, the new amount is on the check.

What if my SSI payment went down even though my SSDI went up?

This can happen because SSI counts SSDI as income. When your SSDI increases, your SSI may reduce to keep your total income within SSI limits. Social Security should have sent you a notice explaining this. If you did not receive a notice or do not understand it, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to explain how both programs are affected by the changes.

Can I use my Social Security account online to report a change in my medical condition?

No. The new online tools let you check your payment and update contact information, but you cannot report medical changes online. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to discuss any changes in your condition or your ability to work.