Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two important government schemes in the US that provide financial assistance to people who cannot work due to disability or age. As the year 2025 approaches, rumors are spreading rapidly on social media and in the news that people receiving SSDI and SSI will receive an additional payment of $638 every month.
But is this true? Will you really get this much extra money in 2025? In this article, we will tell the truth of this rumor and explain all the important information related to SSDI and SSI in detail in easy and understandable language.
What are SSDI and SSI?
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance):
SSDI is for those who have worked before and have paid Social Security tax from their salary. If a person can no longer work due to a serious illness or disability, he can apply for SSDI. Your SSDI amount is determined by your age, the number of years you worked, and your total earnings.
Example:
Let’s say John worked in a factory for 20 years and paid Social Security taxes every month. Now if he gets a serious illness and is unable to work, he can apply for SSDI. Depending on his earnings, he can get a monthly payment ranging from about $1,200 to $4,018.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income):

SSI is for people who have low income and limited resources. No work history is required. SSI is especially given to people who are above 65 years of age, or are disabled or blind and whose monthly income is very low.
Example:
If an elderly woman has no job, no pension or income, and she is 70 years old – then she can apply for SSI. If she is found eligible, she can get up to $967 per month in aid.
Is she really getting $638 extra?
The truth:
People receiving SSDI and SSI will not receive an extra payment of $638 every month in 2025. This is a rumor that has no basis. No such official announcement has been made by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How did this rumor spread?
Some websites and social media posts gave wrong information about COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) or other plans, which spread the misconception that $638 extra will be received. Whereas in reality COLA is an annual adjustment that is made in view of inflation.
What will be the actual amount of SSDI and SSI in 2025?
SSI payments:
- Maximum: $4,018 per month (if you have worked for a very long time at a good salary).
- Average: About $1,200 per month.
SSI payments:
- For individuals: Maximum $967 per month (at the federal level).
- Some states may also offer additional assistance, which can increase this amount a little more.
How is eligibility determined?
For SSDI:
- You must have paid Social Security taxes (for at least a few years).
- You must have a serious illness or disability that prevents you from working for at least one year.
For SSI:
- You must be over 65 years of age, or you must be disabled or blind.
- You must have income and resources below limits set by the SSA (asset limits of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples).
- You must have very low monthly income (less than about $1,400 per month).
When and how do you get payments?
Social Security payments usually come at the beginning of each month, but the date may change depending on your birth date.
Payment dates for SSDI:
- If your date of birth is between 1 and 10: Payment on the second Wednesday of every month.
- Between 11 and 20: On the third Wednesday.
- Between 21 and 31: On the fourth Wednesday.
Payment dates for SSI:
SSI beneficiaries are usually paid on the first of every month.
What is COLA or Cost of Living Adjustment?
Every year the SSA makes a small increase in your payment to keep up with inflation. This is called COLA. This increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Example:
If you were getting $1,000 in 2024 and a COLA of 3% is announced, your amount will be $1,030 in 2025.
What to do if your claim is rejected?

If the SSA rejects your SSDI or SSI claim, don’t worry. You can appeal it:
- Reconsideration: SSA will review your documents again.
- Hearing: If it’s still rejected, you can appear before a judge.
- Appeals Council: If the judge rules against you, you can go to SSA’s Appeals Council.
- Federal Court: The last option is to go to court.
Other assistance plans
If you rely on SSI or SSDI, there are other government plans available to you:
- Medicaid: SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid, which helps them pay medical bills.
- SNAP (Food Stamps): This plan helps buy food.
- Housing Assistance: Some state and federal plans also provide rental or housing assistance.
Possible new laws and proposals
Some lawmakers are advocating for an increase in SSI and SSDI in 2025. Some proposals call for increasing the SSI amount to above the poverty line. However, none of these proposals have become law yet, so it is important to know that all information is only obtained from the official SSA website or government announcements.
Conclusion
So is it really possible to get $638 extra?
No, SSA has not made any such announcement as of now. This is just a rumor. But if you are receiving SSDI or SSI, your amount keeps increasing every year through COLA.
You should ensure that you keep checking the official website of SSA regularly and make your financial plan based on accurate information.
FAQs
1. What is the $638 extra monthly payment for SSDI and SSI in 2025?
The $638 refers to an additional or increased monthly benefit some Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients may receive in 2025 due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), federal aid programs, or state-level supplemental payments.
2. Do I need to apply separately to receive the extra $638?
No, in most cases, you don’t need to apply separately. If you’re already eligible for SSI or SSDI and qualify for this increase, it should be applied automatically by SSA.
3. Is this $638 payment permanent or temporary?
This amount may reflect either a permanent increase (e.g., through COLA) or a temporary benefit from special relief programs. You should verify with SSA or your local Social Security office to determine how long the extra payments will continue.
4. Can I receive both SSDI and SSI and still qualify for the $638 extra?
Yes, some individuals who receive concurrent benefits (both SSDI and SSI) may be eligible. However, the total amount is subject to federal and state limits.
5. Is this increase related to the 2025 COLA?
It might be. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is expected to raise monthly Social Security benefits, and the $638 could represent that adjustment for some individuals.