Understand How Your Benefits Are Calculated

The first step in potentially increasing your disability benefits is understanding how they are calculated. Both SSDI and SSI have different rules for determining the amount you’ll receive:

• SSDI: The amount you receive is based on your average lifetime earnings. The more you’ve worked and the higher your lifetime earnings, the higher your monthly benefit will be.
• SSI: SSI benefits are based on your financial need. If you have limited income and resources, you can qualify for SSI. The amount you receive is subject to the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), but this can vary based on other income you may have.

Report Any Changes in Your Income and Work Status

If you’ve recently returned to work or started earning income, it could affect the amount you receive from SSDI or SSI. For SSDI, if you start earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, your benefits may be reduced or stopped altogether.

• Increase Your Benefits by Working Within Limits: If you can work part-time and still stay under the SGA limit, you may be able to boost your overall household income while still receiving SSDI benefits.
• Keep the SSA Updated: If your income changes or you experience a significant life event, such as a medical improvement or a change in living circumstances, make sure to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately.

Review Your Work History and Ensure Full Credit for Your Contributions

If you are receiving SSDI, the amount of money you get each month is based on your work history. To get the highest possible SSDI benefits, it’s important that all of your work history is accurately recorded. If there are any discrepancies, you may not be receiving the full benefits you are entitled to.

• Review Your Social Security Earnings Record: You can check your earnings record on the SSA website to ensure that all of your work and earnings are properly credited. If you find errors, you can contact the SSA to correct them and potentially increase your benefits.

Apply for Other Benefits and Programs

There are additional programs that you may be eligible for, which can supplement your disability income and help you get more financial support:

• State Disability Programs: Some states offer state disability benefits in addition to federal benefits. Depending on your state, you may be eligible for additional financial assistance, which can increase your total disability income.
• Veterans Disability Benefits: If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans' benefits can provide additional money for service-connected disabilities, which can increase your overall income.
• Workers’ Compensation: If you’re disabled due to a work-related injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in addition to SSDI or SSI. This can help provide extra money to cover lost wages.

Appeal a Denied Claim or Request a Reconsideration

If your disability benefits were initially denied, appealing the decision could result in a higher benefit amount. The appeals process can be complex, but if you can show that your condition has worsened or if you weren’t fully credited for all your work history, you might be able to increase your benefits.

• Request Reconsideration: If your claim is denied, you can request reconsideration from the SSA. This involves a fresh review of your case, and in some instances, additional medical evidence or details can increase your disability benefits.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is your opportunity to present additional evidence and potentially increase your benefit amount.

Look into Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

Every year, the SSA adjusts benefits to account for inflation through cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). While this isn’t a strategy you can directly control, it’s important to stay informed about any COLA changes that might increase your benefits:

• Stay Updated on COLA Changes: The SSA usually announces COLA changes in the fall, and these adjustments can raise your monthly disability payment by a certain percentage. Make sure to check for any upcoming increases.

Apply for Medicaid or Medicare Benefits

While Medicaid and Medicare aren’t direct financial assistance programs, they can significantly reduce your healthcare costs, leaving you with more money to use for other expenses. As a person receiving disability benefits, you may qualify for Medicaid (for low-income individuals) or Medicare (for individuals who have been disabled for at least two years).

• Medicaid: Medicaid covers a wide range of healthcare services, which can free up more of your monthly disability payment for other needs.
• Medicare: If you're on SSDI and have been disabled for more than 24 months, you’ll qualify for Medicare. This can help reduce your medical expenses.

Consult a Disability Lawyer or Advocate

If you’re unsure whether you’re receiving the maximum amount of disability benefits, consulting with a disability lawyer or advocate can be a helpful step. They can review your case and help you understand whether you’re missing out on potential benefits or if there are any issues with your application.

• How a Lawyer Can Help: A lawyer can assist in reviewing your claim, appeal a denial, and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your SSDI or SSI benefits. Some lawyers even work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.