In 2025, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other disability and retirement benefits will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment. This modest increase means a person receiving a $1,000 SSDI benefit in 2024 can expect a $25 monthly increase in 2025. Below are key updates for individuals who work.
For those receiving SSDI and working:
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Threshold: After your Trial Work Period, Social Security may determine you are performing SGA if your monthly gross earnings reach:
- $1,620 or more for individuals who are disabled but not blind (up from $1,550 in 2024).
- $2,700 or more for individuals who are blind (up from $2,590 in 2024).
- Trial Work Period Threshold: In 2025, if you earn more than $1,160 gross in a month, it will count as one of your Trial Work Period months. This is an increase from the $1,110 threshold in 2024. The Trial Work Period allows you to receive your full SSDI payment for nine months, regardless of how much you earn.
These new amounts are important to know if you are expecting to receive a raise or to work more hours in 2025. Earning above these amounts could result in SSDI payments being suspended or terminated, although certain work incentives can help minimize the impact. If you expect to earn above these thresholds, consider requesting benefits counseling for personalized guidance.
For SSI recipients:
- The maximum monthly federal payment will increase from $943 to $967 for individuals. SSI couples who received $1,415 in 2024 may receive $1,450 in 2025. However, these amounts may be reduced if you work, have other income or live in certain situations.
- Qualifying students under 22 who receive SSI and attend high school or college for a minimum number of hours per week may earn up to $2,350 per month (with an annual maximum of $9,460) in 2025 without affecting their SSI payments because of the Student Earned Income Exclusion work incentive.
Learn more
For a detailed breakdown of these changes, check out the 2025 Social Security Changes Fact Sheet.
You can also explore resources like the Social Security Red Book or the pamphlet “Working While Disabled: How We Can Help.”