How Much Does Disability Pay?

When considering applying for disability, a part of the process is certainly figuring out how much you can ultimately receive per month in payments if you are approved.

Most recipients of Social Security Disability can expect to receive between $700 and $1,700 per month, with an average of around $1,197 per month. The maximum benefit for 2018 has been given at $2,788.

What amount you actually receive in the end depends on a number of factors, and it’s also important to note that the simple question “How much does disability pay?” leaves some grey area in itself.

Understanding SSDI and SSI

First of all, there are two different programs in which individuals can apply for disability benefits. There is SSDI disability and SSI disability. The two are evaluated in the same way in terms of medical evaluation, and the determination in both centers around whether the individual can engage in substantial and gainful work activity.

applying for benefitsWhat a person will end up receiving in pay is where the two differ greatly. SSDI, or social security disability insurance, is based on what an individual paid in taxes during their work career. An individual who made a higher salary during their work career will receive a larger benefit than someone who made less money.

As listed above, SSDI recipients can receive as much as $2,788 per month according to 2018 guidelines, with the average recipient receiving right around $1,2000 per month.

SSI, or supplemental security income, on the other hand, is set up to provide retirement or disability benefits to individuals who are not insured, were once insured but lost their status, and individuals who lost their insured status due to not having worked for a great period of time. There are outliers here as well, but that is the basic rundown.
With SSI, being that it is a needs-based program, the maximum amount a person may receive is $735/month.

Learn More About the Difference Between SSDI and SSI

In addition to the medical evaluation, the calculation of how much disability pay someone will end up receiving is based on a number of factors. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses these factors to come up with a unique number for each person.

The main basis for SSDI is based on your covered earnings, or amount of income on which you’ve paid social security taxes. This becomes an average indexed monthly earning which is applied into a formula.

To learn more about your exact payment options, to get help on seeing if you are eligible, or to get help if you’ve been denied, contact an experienced SSDI lawyer  here at Tabak Law. The consultation is always free and takes approximately five minutes.

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