The Social Security Disability benefits pay chart for 2025 outlines the monthly payment amounts for individuals and couples receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and provides insight into how benefits are calculated for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients. The federal SSI benefit rate has increased for 2025 due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), while SSDI payments continue to be based on a person’s earnings history and work credits.
The calculation methods for each program differ, as SSI is a need-based benefit with income and resource limits, while SSDI is determined by prior work and contributions to the Social Security system.
Understanding these figures and the factors that influence benefit amounts is essential when assessing eligibility and financial expectations for the year ahead. If you need more information or want expert help dealing with your Social Security disability issues, contact us at Muse Disability today.
Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart for 2025
The amount of Social Security Disability benefits you are eligible to receive depends on whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI. Below is the pay chart reflecting monthly federal SSI benefits for individuals and couples in 2025.
| Recipient Category | 2025 Monthly SSI Federal Benefit Rate |
| Individual | $943 |
| Couple | $1,415 |
These amounts reflect the federal benefit rate (FBR) for 2025. Note that some states offer additional supplemental payments that can increase the monthly amount received by SSI recipients. Many states supplement SSI benefits, but the amount of the supplement varies and is determined by your particular state government.
How Social Security Disability Benefits Are Calculated
The process for calculating benefits differs between SSDI and SSI. Here’s an overview of each program:
SSDI Benefit Calculation
SSDI benefits are based on your work history and the amount you have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. The calculation involves:
Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME):
Social Security uses your earnings history, adjusted for inflation, to determine your average indexed monthly earnings. Generally, this includes the highest-earning years of your work history, up to 35 years.
Primary Insurance Amount (PIA):
Your AIME is applied to a formula to determine your PIA, which represents the base amount of your monthly SSDI benefit. The formula for 2025 includes three income brackets with percentages applied to each:
- 90% of the first $1,115 of your AIME.
- 32% of AIME between $1,116 and $6,721.
- 15% of AIME over $6,721.
For example, if your AIME is $3,000, your PIA calculation would look like this:
- 90% of $1,115 = $1,003.50
- 32% of $1,885 = $602.40
- Total PIA = $1,605.90
Your PIA is usually your monthly SSDI benefit amount, although adjustments may apply if you receive other disability benefits or pensions.
SSI Benefit Calculation
SSI is a need-based program, so benefits depend on your income and resources. The program uses the federal benefit rate (FBR) as a baseline and reduces benefits based on countable income. Here’s how the reduction works:
Countable Income:
Social Security considers earned and unearned income when calculating SSI benefits. Certain income exclusions apply, such as the first $20 of monthly income from most sources and the first $65 of earned income. For help figuring out your countable income, you can ask one of our highly trained Social Security law advocates at Muse Disability.
Calculation Example:
If you have $200 in countable income, your federal SSI benefit would be reduced as follows:
- $943 (FBR for individuals in 2025) – $200 (countable income) = $743 monthly benefit.
It’s important to note that SSI recipients with state supplements will see higher overall benefits, depending on the specific state.
SSDI Eligibility
Disability Requirements: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and SSDI Eligibility
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must demonstrate that your condition has or will last at least 12 months and prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses SGA as a threshold to determine whether an applicant is earning too much to be considered disabled under its rules.
SGA Income Limits for 2025
Each year, the SSA sets SGA income limits to reflect inflation and economic conditions. For 2025, the limits are:
- $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals
- $2,460 per month for blind individuals
If you earn more than the applicable SGA limit when applying for SSDI, the SSA will generally consider you capable of substantial work and deny your claim, regardless of your medical condition.
How SSA Evaluates Work Activity
The SSA assesses both earned and unearned income when determining SGA. However, only earnings from work count toward the SGA limit—income from investments, certain benefits, and other non-work sources is not considered in this calculation. The SSA also examines:
- Work-related expenses – Some disability-related costs, such as specialized transportation or assistive devices, may be deducted from gross earnings when determining SGA.
- Trial Work Periods – Once you receive SSDI, you may test your ability to work through the Trial Work Period (TWP) without immediately losing benefits. The TWP allows you to earn above SGA for up to nine months in a rolling 60-month period before the SSA reevaluates your eligibility.
- Unsuccessful Work Attempts: If you briefly return to work but are forced to stop due to your disability, the SSA may consider this an unsuccessful work attempt and disregard earnings from that period when assessing SGA.
Proving that you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity is a key part of an SSDI application. If you are denied benefits due to an SGA determination, an appeal may be necessary to clarify how your condition limits your ability to sustain regular work.
SSI Eligibility
Disability Requirements:
SSI uses the same medical standards as SSDI. You must have a disabling condition that prevents substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months.
Financial Requirements:
- Income Limits: SSI is designed for individuals with limited income and resources. In 2025, the income limit for SSI is generally equal to the federal benefit rate ($943 for individuals). Some income exclusions apply, as noted above.
- Resource Limits: To qualify for SSI, your countable resources must not exceed $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. Resources include cash, bank accounts, and other assets but exclude your primary home and one vehicle.
Additional Considerations for SSI and SSDI Recipients
- State Supplementation for SSI: Many states provide additional payments to SSI recipients, which can increase monthly benefits beyond the federal rate. For example, New York and California offer generous state supplements, while other states provide smaller amounts or no supplement at all. Contact your state’s Social Security office to learn more about state-specific benefits.
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Both SSI and SSDI benefits are adjusted annually for inflation through the cost-of-living adjustment. The 2025 COLA increase is 2.5%, which is reflected in the federal benefit rates and may also affect SSDI payments.
- Concurrent Benefits: Some individuals qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits if their income and resources are low enough to meet SSI requirements while also having sufficient work history for SSDI. If you receive concurrent benefits, your SSI payment will be reduced by the amount of your SSDI benefit.