If you have a disability that has caused you to be unable to work, you may be struggling financially. That’s completely understandable. Being disabled doesn’t mean that the bills stop arriving – and that can be overwhelming. If you find yourself in this situation, you may wonder if you should file a claim for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration, and if so, how much you might receive. Let’s examine the types of benefits available and how much you might be eligible to receive each month.
Two Types of Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. To receive either type of benefit, you must meet the following two requirements:
- Qualifying Medical Condition: To determine if an applicant has a qualifying medical condition, the Social Security Administration will consult its Blue Book, which is a guide containing a wide variety of conditions and accompanying symptoms. The Social Security Administration will review the medical evidence provided by the applicant to determine if their condition meets the criteria outlined in the guide. Those who don’t have a condition in the Blue Book shouldn’t panic – they may simply need to provide additional medical evidence regarding their condition and how it affects their ability to work and function as they otherwise would.
- Unable to Work for One Calendar Year or More: To qualify for benefits, your disability must render you unable to work for one continuous calendar year or more. If the condition resolves in less than a year, you may potentially qualify for other types of benefits, but it is not likely that you will qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
If you meet these two criteria, you may qualify for one or both types of benefits depending upon your circumstances. To determine which you might qualify for, you should ask yourself:
- Am I insured? To receive SSDI benefits, an applicant must be “insured.” To the Social Security Administration, this means that you worked a job for a sufficient time, through which you regularly paid employment taxes from your salary into the Social Security system.
- Do I have low income and resources? To receive SSI benefits, an applicant must have income and resources below a certain annual limit established by the Social Security Administration. This limit usually changes yearly, so consulting with an attorney who knows and understands the law and can advise you as to your particular circumstances is always advised.
As you consider which type of benefit to pursue, you should know that each type of benefit has a maximum monthly amount. In the case of SSDI benefits, this amount will be based upon a variety of factors, including your work and earnings history. In the case of SSI benefits, it will be based primarily on income and resource level. In 2025, the maximum monthly amount of SSDI benefits is $4,018 per month, and the maximum amount of SSI benefits is $967 for an individual, and $1,450 per couple.
How Do You Pursue a Claim?
If you believe you may qualify for one or both types of benefits, you may wonder how to pursue a claim. That’s an important question to ask.
The first and most essential part of pursuing a claim for disability benefits is to find a legal team that knows and understands the law and can help you through the process. The law can be complex, and you don’t want to overlook asserting important rights or filing necessary information.
After finding the right attorney, you’ll want to gather necessary information to support your claim. This will likely include medical records establishing your condition and how it affects your life. It may also mean gathering employment records and other information. Your attorney will be able to advise you as to what you need for your particular circumstances.
After you’ve gathered the necessary information, you’ll be ready to complete your paperwork and officially file your claim with the Social Security Administration. Doing so with the right legal team on your side will be essential. At GCC Disability, we’re here for you.
GCC Disability – Here For You
At GCC Disability, we know that when you are unable to work and earn an income as you otherwise would, your Social Security disability benefits are a vital source of financial support and stability. That’s why we’re here to help you do all you can to pursue those benefits and protect them once you do. We know and understand every aspect of the law pertaining to disability benefits, and we will always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.