How Are Disability Benefits Calculated?

On This Page

1. Calculating Social Security Disability Insurance Payments
2. Calculating Supplemental Security Income Payments
3. Back Pay Benefits for Disability Claims
4. Working While Getting SSD Benefits
5. Get Help with Disability Benefits Today When You Call

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

It is important to know not everyone receives the same size disability check. The amount you receive is based on your average lifetime earnings, current income, and assets, depending on which Social Security disability program you are applying for. The payment amount for  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can vary greatly. 

Calculating Social Security Disability Insurance Payments

You may recall receiving a letter from the Social Security Administration around your birthday each year. This letter includes a summary of your lifetime earnings and your estimated disability benefits if you become disabled. The letter should give you an idea of how much monthly benefits will be.

You can also access this information by creating a my Social Security account through the SSA’s website. It is a free and secure way to access your personal Social Security information at any time. This account is beneficial for those who have applied for disability and for those considering applying for disability or retirement benefits. The SSA also offers an online benefit calculator to help give you an idea of what you may receive.

SSDI benefits are related to your employment history and income. The amount of your disability payment increases the more you have worked or earned in the past. These payments are made in the form of Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes and are withheld from your wages. If you are a disabled widow or widower, the rate depends on how much your late spouse worked or earned in the past.

Who Is Eligible for SSDI Payments?

To qualify for SSDI, you must have been employed at jobs covered by Social Security. You earn work credits up to four times a year and may qualify for benefits with as few as 20 work credits.

You must also meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements for disability. Your disability must prevent you from working for 12 months or more. The SSA offers a list of impairments that can qualify for benefit payments. If you do not see your condition here, you may still qualify for benefits.

Calculating Supplemental Security Income Payments

SSI recipients must meet the program’s income and asset restrictions, and benefit amounts are not based upon your earnings history.

The SSA establishes base SSI benefit amounts each year and publishes that information on its website. The amount of SSI that you will receive is the listed amount minus any countable income. Countable income is your total income minus any allowable income exclusions for both earned and unearned income.

In 2023, an individual could receive up to $914 a month. In 2024, an individual recipient can get up to $943 a month, maximum. Not every recipient will get this amount, so it’s important to account for income and assets.

Back Pay Benefits for Disability Claims

You may also be entitled to back pay benefits. SSDI benefits typically begin accruing five months after the date of onset of your disability in SSD claims and accrue until you win your Social Security Disability case. Because of this five-month waiting period, you should start the application process immediately.

Since getting benefits can take a long time, many people are entitled to months and months of back benefits when they finally win their cases. 

Receiving Disability Benefits While Getting Other Benefit Payments

If you qualify for one SSD program, you may qualify for the other. The Social Security Administration called this dual eligibility “concurrent benefits.” The amount you received from SSDI is subtracted from your SSI benefit amount. While your SSDI benefit does not change, your SSI benefit is impacted by you getting both forms of benefits.

Disability benefits from Veterans Affairs also do not impact your SSDI payments, but they can reduce your SSI payments. However, workers’ compensation payments do affect your SSDI monthly benefits. A disability lawyer can help you figure out what benefits do and do not impact your disability payments, so do not hesitate to call.

Working While Getting SSD Benefits

If you make any money while on disability, your monthly earnings are factored into your eligibility for continued benefits. You are allowed to work and receive benefits at the same time, but the Social Security Administration does set a monthly substantial gainful activity limit. If your monthly income is over your monthly SGA limit, you can lose your disability status. The SGA monthly limit for 2024 is $1,550.

Get Help with Disability Benefits Today When You Call

To learn more about what benefits you may be eligible for, contact the Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green.

If you are considering applying for either SSD or SSI benefits, do not delay. Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney to find out how we can help you with the application process and the SSD appeals process. Call the Social Security Disability lawyers at Berger and Green for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim.