In the United States, recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will soon start receiving their October payments for disability beneficiaries. These payments, either by check or direct deposit, are issued to those who have applied for and been approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
To continue receiving these payments, beneficiaries must ensure they maintain their eligibility. This includes reporting any significant improvements in health, as failing to do so could result in overpayments that would need to be reimbursed later. It’s important to note that these October payments do not yet reflect the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment COLA, the percentage of which will be announced on October 10, 2024.
New SSDI payments for disability beneficiaries: what you need to know
The Social Security Administration has stated that some SSDI recipients will start receiving their payments as early as October 3, 2024. However, this initial payment date only applies to a select group of individuals, who must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- They began receiving benefits before May 1997.
- They are receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- They have not violated SSA’s rules and regulations.
The average SSDI payment issued on October 3 is approximately $1,539. However, if a recipient’s prior earnings were on the higher end, they may receive a larger amount. Conversely, those with lower past earnings might receive less than the average payment. In some cases, these individuals may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with the first payment scheduled for October 1, 2024.
SSDI payments from October 9 to October 26
Following the October 3 payment, the SSA will distribute three additional payments throughout the month. These payments, often referred to as the “Wednesday checks,” are based on the recipient’s birthdate.
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, you will receive your payment on October 9. If you were born between the 11th and 20th, your payment will be made on October 16. Lastly, those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their check on October 23.
It’s important to keep in mind that while these dates are set, the exact time of deposit can vary depending on factors such as the recipient’s bank or whether the application was submitted electronically or by mail.
How much can you expect to receive in October?
The amount you receive as an SSDI beneficiary in October depends largely on your previous earnings. The average payment is around $1,539, but for those who had higher earnings before becoming disabled, the payment could be significantly higher. In some instances, individuals can receive up to $3,822.
However, only a small percentage of beneficiaries receive this maximum amount. To qualify for it, you must have worked for at least 35 years in jobs covered by the SSA, which can be difficult for those forced to stop working due to a disability.