For many disabled individuals across the country, disability benefits from the Social Security Administration are an essential source of financial stability and security. If you are struggling with a disability, you may be considering the possibility of filing for disability benefits. If so, you might wonder what the process is like and how much you might receive. Let’s take a closer look at the law together.
What Types of Benefits Are Available?
The Social Security Administration offers two types of benefits to disabled individuals who meet the eligibility requirements. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
SSDI Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are benefits that are offered to disabled individuals who are unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more. What does it mean to be “disabled,” and what does it mean to be “insured”? These are both good questions to ask.
For an individual to be considered disabled for the purpose of receiving benefits, he or she must have a qualified medical condition that has rendered them unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more.
To determine whether a condition qualifies for benefits, the Social Security Administration will review medical evidence and consult its listing of impairments, otherwise known as the Blue Book. This guide contains a wide variety of conditions and accompanying symptoms. However, those who do not have a condition in the Blue Book should not panic. It is still possible to be approved for benefits, and additional medical proof may be needed.
As noted, the condition must also be one that has prevented the individual from being able to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more. Sometimes, a condition can be severe but may resolve fairly quickly. In those cases, an individual might apply for short-term disability benefits through a private insurer, but Social Security benefits will not be available as a general rule.
Typically, SSDI benefits are calculated on the basis of an individual’s work and earning history. It is important to remember that the benefit amount is not based on the particular medical condition itself. Although a variety of factors go into the calculation, typically, the longer an individual worked and the more income they earned, the more they paid into the system in taxes. As a result, those individuals generally receive a higher benefit amount. There are maximum limits on monthly benefits, however. In 2024 the maximum SSDI benefit is $3,822 per month.
SSI Benefits
The second type of disability benefit offered by the Social Security Administration is Supplemental Security Income or SSI benefits for short. As is the case with SSDI benefits, in order to receive SSI, an individual must prove that they have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for at least one continuous calendar year or more.
Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, however, an individual need not be “insured” to be approved for SSI. Instead, they have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration. That limit may change from year to year.
SSI benefits are calculated based on an individual’s overall financial circumstances. As a general rule, the lower income and fewer resources a person has, the higher the SSI amount will be up to a certain limit. In 2024 that limit is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. As is the case with SSDI benefits, the amount of SSI benefits is not based upon the particular medical condition itself.
What Other Options Exist to Estimate Benefits?
Another helpful tool for those interested in checking their estimated monthly benefit amount is to consult the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov. Creating a personal account will enable you to manage access to information about your benefits. You can review not only your estimated payment amount and scheduled payment dates but also receive important updates and provide important information regarding any important changes in your circumstances.
Finally, although checking the website and staying aware of the law is important, it is no substitute for talking with an attorney who can listen to your story and advise you on your situation. At Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, we’re here for you.
Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm– HERE FOR YOU
Sometimes, the law can seem complicated, and wondering if you’re doing all you can to fully protect your rights is understandable. When you call Gallo Cazort & Co. Law Firm, you can have the peace of mind that comes with not wondering anymore. When you choose our team, you are choosing a team of talented, knowledgeable, and experienced attorneys who understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits. We understand the process, and we will fight for you each step of the way as you seek the benefits you need and deserve. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.