What SSDI Recipients Are Really Experiencing in 2025

Living on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2025 is a daily balancing act, not just of budgets, but of health, stability, and dignity. To understand the realities behind the numbers, we surveyed 426 SSDI recipients across the U.S. and asked them to share their stories.

Their responses paint a sobering picture of economic shortfalls, emotional weight, and a system that many find both vital and frustrating. This report brings their voices to the forefront, revealing where SSDI is falling short, and where it continues to be a lifeline.

Key takeaways

• Americans on SSDI report getting an average of $1,243 a month, but 63% say it doesn't even cover basic living expenses.

• 38% of SSDI recipients say they've skipped meals to stay afloat, and 23% have had to ration medication.

• 29% of SSDI recipients have considered going back to work because SSDI isn't enough.

• 38% of SSDI recipients say they wouldn't last a month without benefits.

Surviving on SSDI: A 2025 cost-of-living reality check

Most Americans receiving SSDI face a harsh financial reality that few others see. 

While SSDI recipients are legally allowed to earn some income, the thresholds for substantial gainful activity set by the SSA are tight: $1,620 per month for most people and $2,700 for those who are blind. Exceeding these limits could trigger a loss of benefits.

Recipients reported that their average SSDI check in 2025 is $1,243 a month, a figure that 63% said doesn't even cover their most basic living expenses. With housing, food, and medication costs climbing, making ends meet on that amount has become nearly impossible for many.

To cope, recipients are making difficult choices. Nearly 2 in 5 said they've had to skip meals, and about 1 in 4 reported rationing medication. More than half (51%) said they run out of money by the end of each month, and 58% live paycheck to paycheck very often.

Some consider returning to work despite the risks. Twenty-nine percent of recipients have thought about reentering the workforce, not because they've recovered but because SSDI isn't enough to survive. For 38%, losing SSDI would mean not making it a single month without support.

Invisible pain: The emotional and social toll of disability in America

Beyond financial strain, life on SSDI can carry a heavy emotional burden. The stress of economic insecurity compounds the mental health challenges that accompany chronic illness and disability.

Sixty-four percent of SSDI recipients said their financial situation has caused anxiety, while 54% reported experiencing depression. These feelings also stem from isolation, stigma, and a lack of understanding from others.

Over a quarter of recipients (26%) said they do not feel supported by those around them. Whether it's from family, friends, or broader society, that lack of support deepens feelings of loneliness and shame.

Fear of judgment is also widespread: 60% of recipients have avoided telling someone they receive SSDI because they’re concerned about being seen as lazy, dishonest, or undeserving. This stigma makes it even harder to ask for help or find community and adds another invisible layer to an already difficult journey.

Fair or broken? What recipients really think about the SSDI system

Navigating the SSDI system can be difficult, and many recipients say it feels slow and complicated.

The SSDI process can be tricky to figure out on your own. Between the paperwork, denials, and appeals, many find the system confusing and overwhelming. Three in 10 found the application process extremely difficult, while 45% agreed it was complicated but navigable.

Only about one-third (34%) believe the SSDI system is fair. When asked how it could be improved, 61% of recipients pointed to faster decisions as the top solution. Clearer language and better digital access followed, each cited by 41% of respondents. Others recommended improving the appeals process (39%) and reducing the number of required doctor visits (27%).

Funding reforms have also been a popular topic for debate this year and 30% of recipients said they support higher taxes to keep SSDI solvent. It’s worth noting, though, that SSDI is fully funded through 2098. There are separate trust funds to finance Social Security retirement and disability benefits. Only retirement benefits are projected to become insolvent by 2035.

Methodology

We surveyed 426 people in the United States currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2025. The goal was to understand their financial, emotional, and social experiences. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

About Atticus

Atticus is a public interest law firm that helps Americans in a crisis secure aid from the government. Through a dedicated team of lawyers and client advocates, we specialize in helping individuals claim their rightful benefits in challenging times.

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