How Much Does Disability Benefits Pay in 2024?

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If you have a medical condition that keeps you from working and earning a living, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. However, you must meet specific medical criteria as well as other requirements. To learn more about the signs your disability claim will be approved, click here.

Those monthly disability benefits can be helpful to your income, and help you cover basic living expenses. Here is a closer look at how much you could receive in monthly disability benefits.

You may be eligible to receive $3,822 each month. Fill out this Free Disability Evaluation today to find out more! 

How Much Disability Can I Get?

The maximum payment for disability from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is $3,822 per month. The average SSDI payment is about $1,665.14 per month, but there are several factors that come into play when determining how much you will receive in monthly benefits.

You can visit the Social Security Administration's website to get an estimate of how much you will be receiving in monthly disability benefits or use our super quick and easy Disability Calculator.

What Is the SSDI Average Payment?

In 2024, the SSA reported the average SSDI payment $1,665.14 per month (up from $1,537 per month in 2023). This payment will vary based on the cost of living, your medical condition & expenses, etc. so you may receive less or more than the average SSDI payment.

In 2024, $3,822 was the most you can receive from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) but there are a few factors that determine how much you could receive in disability benefits each month.

The SSA evaluates your lifetime average earnings before your medical condition prevented you from working. Your benefit amount is calculated by using your covered earnings which are what you earned when employed where your employer made deductions for FICA or Social Security.

The SSA bases your monthly payment for disability benefits on your average covered earnings over a period of time. This is called average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The SSA uses these amounts in a formula that calculates your primary insurance amount (PIA).

The SSDI you receive may be reduced if you are receiving any other government benefits, including worker’s compensation, public disability benefits, or a pension that is based on your employment that is not included in Social Security, such as one you are receiving from a foreign government.

Despite your disability, if you are still able to work and you earn enough to meet the substantial gainful activity (SGA) criteria you may be denied disability benefits.

Use our Social Security Benefits Calculator to see how much you could get with disability benefits.

How Does The SSA Determine How Much You Will Receive In Disability Benefits?

Your payment is determined by your lifetime average earnings before you become unable to work. Your benefit amount is calculated through your covered earnings. Covered earnings are what you earned at jobs where your employer made deductions for FICA or Social Security.

The SSA bases your monthly disability payment on your average covered earnings over a time, which is called average indexed monthly earnings (AIME).

These amounts are used in a formula to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA). There is an online benefits calculator that you could use to determine how much your monthly benefits would be if you became disabled.

If you do not qualify for SSDI because of a lack of credits or a minimal work history, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSI is needs-based, so you must have minimal resources and limited income. As of 2024, the maximum SSI payment to an individual is $943, $1,415 for a couple, and $472 for an essential person.

A disability representative can explain the financial criteria for SSI, and help you with the deeming process, which determines how much and what income counts toward your SSI limits and eligibility.

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What Can Impact How Much I Receive?

Your SSDI could be reduced if you receive other government benefits, such as worker’s compensation, public disability benefits, or a pension based on employment that is not included in Social Security, such as a foreign government.

Also, if you can work and earn enough to meet the substantial gainful activity (SGA) criteria, your claim will not be approved, or your disability benefits could stop. As of 2024, the SGA for a blind individual is $2,590 per month, and $1,550 per month for a disabled individual who is not blind. 

Get A Case Evaluation

If you are unable to work because of a medical condition, you should start your disability claim. You should speak with a disability attorney.

A lawyer may be able to help you determine how much you would receive in monthly disability benefits. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share your details with the office of a disability attorney.

Curious what medical conditions automatically qualify for disability? Click here to find out. 

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