Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is paid on the same birthday-based schedule as retirement benefits. Below are the 2027 SSDI payment dates, the 3.6% increase, and the 2027 work limits that matter if you’re on disability.
SSDI payment schedule 2027
| Month | Birthday 1st–10th | Birthday 11th–20th | Birthday 21st–31st |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Jan 27 |
| February | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Feb 24 |
| March | Mar 10 | Mar 17 | Mar 24 |
| April | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 |
| May | May 12 | May 19 | May 26 |
| June | Jun 9 | Jun 16 | Jun 23 |
| July | Jul 14 | Jul 21 | Jul 28 |
| August | Aug 11 | Aug 18 | Aug 25 |
| September | Sep 8 | Sep 15 | Sep 22 |
| October | Oct 13 | Oct 20 | Oct 27 |
| November | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 |
| December | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 |
Exception: if you started SSDI before May 1997, or you get both SSDI and SSI, you’re paid on the 3rd of the month instead. In January 2027 that payment arrives early, on December 31, 2026. All dates: Social Security payment schedule 2027.
SSDI increase for 2027
SSDI rises 3.6% starting with January 2027 payments. SSA estimates:
| Before COLA | After 3.6% COLA | |
|---|---|---|
| Average disabled worker | $1,642 | $1,701 |
| Disabled worker, spouse and one or more children | $2,970 | $3,077 |
See Social Security COLA 2027 for a table of increases by benefit amount.
2027 SSDI work limits
| Limit | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Substantial gainful activity (SGA), non-blind | $1,690/mo | $1,770/mo |
| SGA, blind | $2,830/mo | $2,950/mo |
| Trial work period month | $1,210/mo | $1,270/mo |
- SGA: if you earn more than this in a month, Social Security generally treats you as able to work. It’s used when deciding new claims and after your trial work period ends.
- Trial work period: any month you earn over $1,270 counts as a trial work month. You get 9 trial months (within a rolling 60-month window) in which your full SSDI continues no matter how much you earn.
SSDI and SSI: what’s the difference?
SSDI is based on your work history and taxes paid. SSI is need-based, for people with low income and few resources. Some people qualify for both. SSI has its own schedule: SSI payment schedule 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When is SSDI paid in January 2027?
January 13, 20 or 27 depending on your birthday. December 31, 2026 for the 3rd-of-month group.
How much is SSDI going up in 2027?
3.6%. The average disabled worker gets about $59 more a month.
What happens to SSDI at full retirement age?
It automatically converts to retirement benefits at the same amount.
Sources: SSA payment schedule, SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet.
