Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are designed to help people who are unable to work and support themselves. But how much SSDI can an SSDI recipients receive? The answer can be hard to find on government websites. In this blog, we will take a look at how SSDI benefits are calculated to give you a better idea of what you might receive.
Qualifying for SSDI
To be approved for SSDI, applicants have to meet Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines:
- You meet the SSA’s definition of disabled:
- Unable to do the work you did before becoming disabled;
- Unable to adjust to other work because of one or more medical conditions;
- Disability or condition is expected to last for at least a year or will cause your death.
- You must have accumulated the appropriate number of work credits, with a certain number having been earned recently.
Individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition may need to apply for SSDI benefits.
But how much will you be eligible to receive?
How Payments Are Calculated
The SSA bases your monthly benefit on your lifetime average earnings at jobs covered by Social Security. The calculations are complicated, but the SSA generally looks at the following information:
- Your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) is your average earnings.
- The SSA uses three fixed percentages of your AIME to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
This calculation leads to something called “bend points.” These are changed every year and are used to come up with the actual amount of payments
Current SSDI Payments
Benefit payment amounts in 2019 range from $800 to $2,861 per month. However, most recipients receive $800 to $1,800 per month, which an average payment of $1,234.
However – and this is important – if you are receiving government benefits from another source, your SSDI benefits may be reduced. How much the reduction will be depends on the other benefit payment. There are some benefits that should not affect your SSDI, including: Veterans Administration benefits, state and local government benefits when Social Security taxes were deducted, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How Much SSDI You Can Receive?
If you or a loved one is unable to work because of a disability, call us. We can help you decide whether to file for SSDI and understand the benefits you might receive.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Much of their work involves Social Security disability cases. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
