If you are getting Social Security disability payments (SSDI), you already know how hard it was to get them. But there’s something you might not understand: accepting the application is not the end of the process. You have to follow certain rules in order to get your monthly payments. If you don’t, you might have to wait longer or even lose the money that is helping you.
SSDI benefits are for workers who can’t do a job because of an illness or condition that makes it impossible for them to do a potentially profitable activity. However, the benefits don’t just keep coming in on time; they depend on a lot of different factors.
I’ll tell you the five most important things you should do this year so you don’t get caught off guard.
Don’t lose your SSDI; change your personal information right away.
Like if you move, change your phone number, or even your legal name (because you got married, divorced, or for some other reason) but don’t tell Social Security about it. What’s going on? It’s simple: the Social Security Administration (SSA) might not be able to reach you. And your payments might not go through if they can’t get in touch with you to confirm information or fix problems.
The quick fix is to check your profile on my Social Security (the SSA’s online platform) or call the office directly every so often. Always keep your official name, address, and phone number up to date. Don’t take this lightly; a small mistake can give you a lot of trouble.
If you make extra money, your disability benefits may stop
Your benefits could change if you work part-time, get paid for independent work, or even if your partner gets a pay raise. The SSA has strict rules about how much you can earn before losing your status. The most that can be spent in 2025 is:
- $1,620 a month if you’re not totally blind.
- $2,700 a month if you are legally blind.
The IRS and the SSA both check the same information. If you don’t report your income that is higher than these amounts, you could be sued for overpayments, fines, or having your benefits taken away. Being honest about any changes to your funds is very important. Tell others about them, even if they don’t seem important.
Take care not to work more than you need to
If you’re trying to get back to work, remember to keep your goals clear and enjoy your progress. Aside from how much money you make, the SSA also checks to see if you do “substantial gainful activity.” Now, even if your monthly income is below the limit, you might not be considered disabled if you work too many hours or take on too many duties.
Keep careful records of the hours you work and the money you make. If your boss gives you more hours or a promotion, you should think about it and talk to a professional before taking the job.
Tell the SSA RIGHT NOW if you change banks
Have you opened a new direct deposit account or closed the old one? Do not wait! You should quickly change your banking information with the SSA. If an agency takes a payment and it fails because the account is stopped, they may not send you any more money until you fix the problem.
Check your information in “My Social Security” or call the SSA to avoid this. You only have to do it once, but if you don’t, you could end up without money when you need it most.
Tell the people who handle your money if they change
Can someone help you handle your benefits? It could be a family member, a close friend, or a group. The SSA should know who that person is because they are your official payee. If you stop working with her for any reason, like if you find a new provider or decide to handle your own money, you need to let her know right away.
You might not get paid again until the new situation is confirmed if you don’t do this. It’s not personal; it’s how theft is stopped.
When will the payment for April 2025 come?
The dates of your deposits rely on two things: your birthday and the date you started getting benefits. This is the calendar:
April 3: For people who got payments before May 1997.
If your birthday is between April 1 and April 10, you will be born on this day.
April 16: You were born between April 11 and April 20.
April 23: You were born between April 21 and April 31.
Veterans who get disability payments from the VA have their checks deposited on May 1. This is because the checks usually come on the first business day of May.
