Types of Disability Payments

There are two main types of disability benefits offered through the SSA: SSDI and SSI. Both programs provide financial assistance, but they have different eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and application processes.

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): SSDI provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years and are now unable to work due to a disability. The amount of SSDI benefits you receive depends on your work history and the amount you paid into the system.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): SSI provides benefits to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI is not based on your work history but rather your financial need.

How Much Will You Receive?

The amount you receive in disability payments depends on the program you're applying for and your personal circumstances.

• For SSDI: The amount of SSDI benefits is based on your average lifetime earnings. The SSA uses a formula to calculate your primary insurance amount (PIA), which determines your monthly benefit. The higher your earnings throughout your working years, the higher your SSDI payment will be. Generally, SSDI payments can range from $1,200 to $2,900 per month, but this varies based on your earning history.
• For SSI: SSI benefits are based on your financial need, including your income and the resources you have available. The federal benefit rate is set by the SSA, but the amount can be adjusted depending on your state of residence, as some states provide additional benefits. The federal maximum amount for SSI in 2025 is $914 per month for individuals and $1,371 per month for couples, though this may vary depending on your specific situation.

How Are Disability Payments Determined?

The process of determining your disability payments involves several key steps:

• Eligibility: First, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the program you're applying for (SSDI or SSI). This includes having a qualified disability, meeting work history requirements (for SSDI), and meeting income and asset limits (for SSI).
• Disability Evaluation: The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate your disability claim. This includes determining if you are working and earning a substantial income, if your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to work, and if your condition is included in the SSA's Listing of Impairments.
• Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): For SSDI, the SSA calculates your PIA based on your average lifetime earnings. This determines how much you’ll receive in disability payments each month. For SSI, the SSA looks at your financial situation to determine if you qualify and the amount you will receive.

When Will You Start Receiving Disability Payments?

Once your disability application is approved, there is typically a waiting period before you begin receiving payments:

• For SSDI: There is a 5-month waiting period before you can begin receiving SSDI benefits. This means you will need to wait 5 months after the SSA determines that you are disabled before you can start receiving payments.
• For SSI: If you qualify for SSI, you can start receiving payments as soon as your eligibility is confirmed. However, if you are already receiving other forms of income, such as from a job or savings, this will be taken into account to determine how much you are eligible to receive.

Can Disability Payments Be Adjusted?

Your disability payments can change under certain circumstances:

• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs): Each year, the SSA may increase disability payments to keep up with inflation. These adjustments are known as COLAs, and they typically result in a slight increase in the monthly payment.
• Work and Income: If you return to work or earn income above a certain threshold, your disability payments may be reduced or even stopped. The SSA has a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, which is the amount of money you can earn and still qualify for disability payments. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.

What Happens If Your Disability Payment is Denied?

If your disability claim is denied, don’t lose hope. Many claims are initially denied, but you have the right to appeal the decision.

• Request Reconsideration: If your claim is denied, you can request a reconsideration of the decision, where the SSA reviews your case again.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration results in another denial, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is your chance to present evidence and explain why you qualify for disability benefits.