Step 1: Understand How Your Benefit Amount Is Calculated

Before you can look for ways to increase your Social Security Disability payments, it’s important to understand how they’re calculated. SSDI payments are based on your work history and lifetime earnings, while SSI is a need-based program focused on income and resources.

• For SSDI: Your monthly benefit is determined by your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings. The more you earned while working, the higher your SSDI payment will be.
• For SSI: Your monthly benefit is determined by your income and resources. The SSA has strict income and resource limits, so any increase in income could affect your eligibility or payment amount.
  
  

Step 2: Keep Working (If Possible)

If you’re receiving SSDI and are still able to work, there’s a program called “Ticket to Work” that allows you to earn money without immediately losing your benefits. The SSA has rules about how much you can earn and still receive disability payments. If you return to work and your earnings increase, it could eventually lead to a higher monthly payment in the future, assuming your earnings are significant enough to adjust your AIME.

However, make sure to stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which is the maximum amount you can earn and still qualify for benefits.

Step 3: Ensure Your Earnings History Is Accurate

One way to potentially increase your SSDI payment is to make sure that your earnings record with the SSA is accurate. Errors in your work history could lead to a lower benefit amount. You can request a “Social Security Statement” (usually accessible online through the SSA website) to review your earnings history and report any discrepancies.

If you find errors, contact the SSA to correct them, as any missing earnings could affect the benefit calculation.

Step 4: Consider Your Marital Status

If you’re married or were previously married, you may be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits, which could increase your payment amount. For example:

• Spousal Benefits: If your spouse is receiving SSDI benefits, you may be entitled to a percentage of their payment.
• Survivor Benefits: If your spouse passes away, you may be able to receive survivor benefits, which could be equal to their full SSDI benefit if they earned enough during their lifetime.

Make sure to report your marital status to the SSA and explore all your options if you believe you may be entitled to additional benefits.

Step 5: Appeal If Your Benefit Amount Is Incorrect

If you believe that the amount you’re receiving is lower than it should be, you can request a reconsideration or appeal. This could be due to errors in the calculation of your AIME or income. You may also appeal if you were denied benefits or if you believe you qualify for a higher payment amount based on your medical condition or financial situation.

Step 6: Apply for State Assistance Programs

Some states offer additional benefits or assistance programs for people who receive SSDI or SSI. These programs may provide you with additional funds or help with other needs, such as transportation, housing, or medical care. Check with your state’s Social Security office to see if you qualify for any state-specific assistance programs.

Step 7: Stay Informed About Annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

The SSA adjusts benefits annually based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which is typically tied to inflation. While this doesn’t provide a drastic increase, it does ensure your payments keep up with rising costs. Keep an eye on COLA updates every year to see if your benefits will increase.

Step 8: Consider Working with a Financial Planner

If you have additional income, resources, or assets that might affect your SSI eligibility, or if you’re unsure how to best manage your finances while on SSDI, consider consulting with a financial planner who specializes in disability benefits. They can help you make strategic decisions regarding your resources, income, and even appeal processes to ensure you're receiving the maximum allowable benefit.

Step 9: Be Aware of the Impact of Other Income on SSI

If you’re receiving SSI, any increase in income could affect your payment amount. The SSA allows you to earn a certain amount of income each month without reducing your benefits. This is called the “General Income Exclusion.” For example, the first $20 of most income is excluded, as well as the first $65 of earned income, plus half of any remaining earned income.

If you can keep your income within these limits, it could help maximize your SSI payment.