The maximum Social Security Disability benefits available for the 2025 year are as follows:
- $4,018 per month for an individual with SSDI benefits
- $967 per month for an individual with SSI benefits
- $1,450 per month for a couple with SSI benefits
While these are the highest amounts available, the benefits each claimant receives depend on several factors. If you’re unsure how much in benefits you should be receiving or if you need assistance with your Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits application, a North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer can help you.
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two disability benefit programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The qualifications for each program are different.
Social Security Disability Insurance Qualifications
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must generally meet these qualifications:
- Have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months (or a disabling condition that is expected to result in your death)
- Have worked long enough and recently enough to earn sufficient “work credits”
Supplemental Security Income Qualifications
To qualify for SSI benefits, you must generally:
- Be blind, of retirement age, or disabled
- Have low income and few assets
While SSDI has work history requirements, you may qualify for SSI benefits even if you have never worked.
Our SSD benefits attorneys can help you determine which program you qualify for and walk you through the application process. They can also help you appeal a denied claim if necessary.
How Much Did the Maximum SSD Benefits Increase From 2024 to 2025?
The SSA makes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retirement and disability benefit amounts each year to account for inflation and increases in the costs of goods and services. The 2025 maximum amounts represent a 2.5% increase over the 2024 numbers, which were:
- $3,822 per month for an individual with SSDI benefits
- $943 per month for an individual with SSI benefits
- $1,415 per month for a couple with SSI benefits
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How Much SSD Benefits Should You Receive in 2025?
Most people do not receive the maximum SSD benefit amount. According to the SSA, the estimated average SSDI payment for disabled workers in 2025 is $1,580, which is less than half of the maximum amount.
The SSA will use your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) to calculate your benefit amount. Factors that may affect your AIME include your:
- Age when you became disabled
- Earnings history
- Amount of FICA taxes paid
- Number of work credits earned
For SSI claimants, their benefits are reduced (from the maximum amount) by about $1 for every $2 they earn at work or every $1 they make from non-work sources (such as pensions or unemployment) per month, according to the SSA. Income from a spouse or other household member may also affect the amount of money an SSI claimant receives each month.
The process of calculating your unique benefit amount can be complicated, so if you’re unsure how much money you should receive or you feel like you’re getting an unfairly low amount, a Social Security Disability attorney can review your case and explain your options.
Other Changes Made to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2025
In addition to increasing benefit amounts, the SSA made a few other changes that may affect your SSD benefits in 2025, including:
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Threshold
To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources and be of retirement age, blind, or unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a disability. According to the SSA, those who earned an average of $1,550 (or $2,590 for blind individuals) or more per month in 2024 were over the SGA threshold to qualify for SSI.
In 2025, the SGA threshold increased to $1,620 (or $2,700 for blind individuals) per month.
Work Credit Earning Amount
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned a certain number of work credits based on your employment history. In 2024, a worker needed $1,730 in wages to earn one work credit. In 2025, that number went up to $1,810. Workers can still earn a max of four work credits per year.
Getting Answers to Your Questions About Social Security Disability
Your best resource for answers to your questions about SSD benefits is a Social Security Disability lawyer. They can also provide other services related to your SSD claim, including:
- Determining which SSD benefits program you qualify for (SSDI, SSI, or both)
- Explaining the SSD benefits process and qualifications
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Helping you file your initial SSD application
- Monitoring the progress of your claim
- Helping you appeal a denied SSDI or SSI claim
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an SSD Attorney?
Most SSD benefits lawyers will represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay them anything upfront or out of pocket. You will only pay legal fees if they secure benefits for you.
Get a Free Consultation About Social Security Disability Benefits
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our North Carolina personal injury lawyers have recovered over $100 million for disability and personal injury clients. Along the way, we have earned a Google Reviews rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars for our excellent legal service. Our Social Security Disability lawyers have extensive experience in SSD claims, and we can help you seek the benefits you deserve.
If you have questions about the maximum Social Security Disability benefit amounts in 2025 or how much in benefits you qualify to receive, contact us today for a free initial consultation. Every client is important to us, and we will do all we can to help you.