If you live in the US and avail government schemes like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then this question must have come to your mind recently – are SSDI and SSI beneficiaries going to get an additional amount of $638 (about ₹53,000) every month from 2025?
Such news is spreading rapidly on social media and many websites, but is there any truth in it? Are you really going to get such a huge amount?
In this article, we will answer all these questions in easy and understandable language. Also, we will explain in detail the real working of SSDI and SSI, possible payments for 2025, eligibility conditions, important updates like COLA, and what is the way out if your application is rejected.
What are SSDI and SSI? What is the difference between these two?
First of all, it is important to understand that SSDI and SSI are two different schemes, although both are operated by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
1. SSDI – Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI is a government scheme that is given to those people who have previously worked, paid Social Security tax, but are now unable to work due to a serious illness or physical disability.
The benefits you get in this scheme depend on your previous work and contribution to Social Security. The longer you have worked and the more tax you have paid, the more monthly assistance you can get under SSDI.
Example: If Ram worked in an office for 15 years and paid Social Security tax every year, but now he is bedridden due to paralysis, then he can get around $1,200 to $2,000 every month under SSDI, depending on his income and tax history.
2. SSI – Supplemental Security Income
SSI is a separate scheme, which has no working conditions. Its purpose is to help people who are either over 65 years of age, or are physically disabled, and whose income and assets are very limited.
This scheme provides minimum financial assistance to poor and needy people to live.
Example: If Sita ji is 70 years old and she has no job, no pension, and no savings, then she can get assistance of up to $967 (more than ₹80,000) every month under SSI.
Will we really get an additional amount of $638 every month in 2025?
The direct answer to this question is – no.
SSA has not announced any such additional amount for 2025. This news of $638 is just a rumor, which has spread due to misunderstanding or social media.
Every year, the SSA does increase SSDI and SSI benefits according to the current economic situation through COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). But this increase is usually around 3% to 4%, not a large amount like $638 directly.
How much amount will be available under SSDI and SSI in 2025?
Now let’s know how much assistance SSDI and SSI beneficiaries can get next year.
Possible payment for SSDI:
- Maximum monthly amount: $4,018
- Average amount: About $1,200 per month
Note that SSDI payment depends on your work history and contribution made to Social Security. If you have worked for a short time or have a low-paying job, your amount may be less.
Potential payments for SSI:
- For a single person: $967 per month
- For couples: Slightly more, but it depends on your situation
If you live in a state that offers additional SSI assistance at the state level (such as California or New York), your total payment may be even higher.
How is eligibility determined for SSDI and SSI?
For SSDI:
- You must have paid Social Security taxes
- You must have sufficient work credits (usually at least 5 years of employment)
- You must have a serious illness that prevents you from working for at least 1 year
For SSI:
- You must have very low income (less than about $1,400 per month)
- You must have limited assets (no more than $2,000 for a single person)
- You must be 65 years of age or older, or have a disability
What is COLA, i.e. Cost-of-Living Adjustment?
Each year, the SSA makes a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to SSDI and SSI amounts to account for inflation. The same will happen in 2025.
This COLA is usually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which ensures that your purchasing power remains intact.
Example: If inflation increases by 3%, your SSI or SSDI amount will also increase by approximately 3%.
What to do if your SSDI or SSI application is rejected?
If the SSA rejects your application, don’t panic. You can appeal.
There are four main steps to an appeal:
Read more: Social Security 2025: Benefits You Can Claim Besides Retirement
- Reconsideration: The SSA re-examines your documents
- Hearing: If it is still rejected, you can ask for a hearing in front of a judge
- Appeals Council: You can also ask for reconsideration from the SSA’s higher council
- Federal Court: If justice is still not served, you can file a case in court
This process takes time, but if you have strong medical records and evidence, you may have a chance of succeeding.
What other assistance is available besides SSDI and SSI?
The government runs not just SSDI and SSI, but several other plans to help disabled or low-income citizens:
- Medicaid: If you are on SSI, you also get Medicaid – it is a medical insurance plan
- SNAP (Food Stamps): The government provides food assistance for food
- Housing Assistance: Some states have rent subsidies and housing schemes
- Utility Bill Help: Some programs offer discounts on your electricity and water bills
Possible new laws and proposals in 2025
There are some proposals currently being discussed in the US Congress that could bring good news for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries:
- A plan to increase SSI to above the poverty line is being considered
- There is a discussion on providing additional support to the disabled during a sudden economic crisis (such as a pandemic)
Although none of these laws have been passed yet, changes are possible in the future. So always keep an eye on the official website of SSA.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will there be an additional $638 per month for SSDI and SSI in 2025?
No, there is no such official announcement from SSA. This is just a rumor.
2. How can I apply for SSDI or SSI?
You can apply online by visiting the SSA website or you can also apply by visiting the SSA office.
3. What if my SSI or SSDI amount does not come on time?
First of all, contact SSA. Sometimes there may be technical delays in payment. SSA may release the payment on the next scheduled date.
4. Can the amount of SSDI and SSI change even after 2025?
Yes, this amount can increase or decrease depending on inflation, changes in income, or your health condition.
Conclusion
Plans like SSDI and SSI are lifelines for people who cannot work for some reason or whose income is very low. There is no official basis for the rumor of an additional $638 in 2025, but it is certain that your monthly income will definitely increase by some amount through COLA.
If you are already availing these schemes, always keep an eye on the official website of SSA for updates. And if you are applying for the first time, make sure that the documentation is correct and all the eligibility conditions are met.
SSA Official Website: https://www.ssa.gov
