Types of Social Security Disability Benefits

There are two main types of Social Security Disability benefits you may qualify for:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program is for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. The amount you receive from SSDI is based on your past earnings and how much you paid into the Social Security system during your working years.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program provides financial assistance for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. The amount you receive from SSI is based on your financial need and is subject to federal limits.

How Much Will You Receive from SSDI?

The amount you receive from SSDI is primarily determined by your average lifetime earnings and how much you paid into the Social Security system. Generally, the more you worked and the higher your earnings during your career, the higher your SSDI benefits will be.

• Average SSDI Payment: As of 2024, the average monthly SSDI payment is around $1,400. However, this amount can vary depending on your specific earnings history.
• Maximum SSDI Payment: The maximum monthly SSDI benefit for 2024 can be up to $3,800 for individuals who earned a high salary during their career. However, most SSDI recipients will receive less than this amount.
• Calculating Your SSDI Benefit: To determine your SSDI benefit, the SSA uses a formula based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) and applies it to a primary insurance amount (PIA). This formula is designed to replace a percentage of your pre-disability income.

How Much Will You Receive from SSI?

SSI benefits are designed to help those with limited financial resources. The amount you can receive is determined by the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which changes annually. For 2024, the FBR for an individual is $914 per month, and for a couple, it is $1,371.

• Income and Asset Limits: SSI is need-based, meaning that your income and resources are taken into account when determining eligibility. If you have other sources of income or resources above the limit, your SSI benefits may be reduced or eliminated.
• Additional State Assistance: Some states provide additional SSI benefits on top of the federal amount. The exact amount varies by state, so check with your local SSA office to see if you’re eligible for any state supplements.

How Your Benefits Might Be Affected

Your Social Security Disability benefits may be affected by various factors:

• Work: If you’re working while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, your earnings may impact how much you receive. For SSDI, if you earn more than a certain amount (known as the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit), you may no longer be considered disabled and could lose your benefits.
• Other Income: For SSI recipients, other sources of income (such as rental income, investments, or assistance from family members) could reduce the amount of benefits you receive. The SSA allows you to earn a certain amount each month without affecting your benefits.
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Social Security Disability benefits are typically adjusted annually based on inflation through a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This helps your benefits keep pace with rising living costs.

How to Calculate Your SSDI Payment

To get an estimate of how much SSDI you may receive, you can use the SSA’s online calculator or check your Social Security statement. The statement provides a personalized estimate based on your earnings history. You can access this information by creating an account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

• Estimate Your Benefits: The SSA provides tools to estimate your monthly benefit amount before you apply. These estimates give you an idea of what you might expect if you’re approved for SSDI.

When Can You Expect Your First Payment?

After you are approved for Social Security Disability benefits, it can take several months before you begin receiving payments. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of your case and how long it takes to process your application.

• Payment Schedule: Once approved, your payments will typically be issued monthly. SSDI payments are paid on a specific date each month, depending on your birth date, while SSI payments are usually paid on the first of each month.
• Back Pay: If your SSDI claim is approved after a waiting period, you may be entitled to back pay for the months you were disabled before your approval. This can help cover any financial gaps during the waiting period.

Can You Increase Your Social Security Disability Benefits?

While the amount of SSDI or SSI benefits you receive is generally fixed, there are a few ways to potentially increase your monthly payments:

• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): As mentioned, Social Security benefits increase slightly each year to keep up with inflation. This can result in a modest increase in your monthly payment.
• Work History and Earning More: If you return to work and earn enough to raise your average lifetime earnings, your SSDI benefits may increase. However, you must continue to meet SSA’s disability criteria to remain eligible.
• State Supplements: If you qualify for SSI, some states provide additional payments beyond the federal benefit. These vary by state and could increase your monthly benefit amount.