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According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly payment for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is $1,224.53. The total average monthly disability benefit (not SSDI specifically) was $1,536.94.
A variety of factors change the average monthly benefit. Whether you have a spouse or other dependents and the severity of disabling injury may affect your monthly benefits.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a way for those who cannot work to cover their costs of living. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the distribution of SSDI. The SSA also oversees Supplemental Security Income (SSI), another type of monthly benefit that injured or sick Americans may receive.
The primary difference between SSDI and SSI is eligibility criteria. While there are certain requirements to receive SSDI, including work history, SSI generally goes to those in need—regardless of the applicant’s work history.
Who Is Eligible to Receive SSDI?
According to the SSA, you may be eligible to receive SSDI if:
- Have worked a qualifying amount of time in jobs covered by Social Security
- Your medical ailments meet the SSA’s definition of a disability
Before you can receive SSDI benefits, you must generally be unable to work for an entire year. You may generally receive those benefits until you are able to “work again on a regular basis.”
Who Is Eligible to Receive SSI?
If you are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older, then you may be eligible for SSI benefits. This particular form of financial relief is not as strict in its eligibility criteria.
If you fit the above criteria, you may receive SSI if you can show:
- Your income is “limited”
- Your “resources” are “limited”
- You are a U.S. citizen or an alien who qualifies for SSI benefits
- You reside in the United States and are not incarcerated
While there are certain other criteria that you must fit to receive SSI, the primary requirements are disability and financial need.
Can You Receive Social Security Disability Payments if You’re Still Working?
You may be able to work while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits. However, the SSA explains that earning more than $1,350 per month may disqualify you from receiving disability benefits.
$1,350 is the bar that the SSA sets for “substantial gainful activity”. If you earn this much, then the SSA may consider you substantially and gainfully employed. It may then consider you as no longer in need of financial assistance and may revoke any benefits that you’re receiving.
We recommend that you have an disability attorney evaluate your specific circumstances. SSDI and SSI claims can be complicated, and each case is unique. Without advice tailored to your case, it is difficult to generalize about your eligibility.
What Is the SSA’s Definition of Disabled?
The SSA generally considers someone disabled if:
- They are 18 years of age or older—while minors can be disabled, they are not generally eligible to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration
- They have a medical condition that prevents them from doing any “substantial gainful activity”, which includes holding a regular job
- Their medical condition is likely to result in death
- Their medical condition has lasted or is expected to last for 12 continuous months
An attorney who handles Social Security Disability claims can explain whether your condition qualifies you for SSDI or SSI benefits.
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How Our Social Security Disability Lawyers Can Help
If you or a loved one are disabled and in need of financial relief, then you can speak with our firm about an SSDI or SSI claim. You may be eligible to receive benefits through both programs.
Our firm can:
- Review your circumstances: The best advice comes when the attorney has a full picture of your personal circumstances. We will speak with you, review your medical records and work history, and provide advice tailored to you.
- Explain how you should pursue benefits: Your work history may help us determine whether SSDI, SSI, or some combination of both offer you the best chance at receiving benefits.
- Handle the paperwork: We will gather or create all necessary paperwork to file a claim with the SSA. While you may need to undergo a medical examination to prove your disability, all necessary paperwork may already be available.
- Make your case with the SSA: We will put forth the strongest claim that we can. If the SSA has questions about your claim or requests additional information, we will respond to their requests.
We can also assist if you have had your claim denied by the SSA or have experienced a reduction in benefits.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for Help
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC is ready to help with your pursuit of disability benefits. Do not wait to call, as relief from your financial burdens cannot come soon enough.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today for your free consultation.
