How Much Can You Be Paid From SSDI?

If you are no longer able to work at your usual job, you may be paid Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many claimants want to know right away how much money they could get if they are approved for benefits. For the answer to that and other questions, read below.

You Can Find Out Ahead of Time

1. The easiest way to find out how much you will get paid monthly if you are approved for benefits is to consult your SSA (Social Security Administration) account. You can phone the SSA or access your account online by creating an account. At this time, many SSA offices that were closed due to the pandemic are now open and allowing SSDI claimants to make an appointment to speak to caseworkers in person. However, wait times for both phone and in-person services can be lengthy.
2. Once you access your information, check your work history income against your tax returns, particularly for the past several years or so because your benefits are based on how much income you earned in the past. Only jobs that reported your earnings and took out FICA deductions are counted when it comes to how much you will be paid. If you disagree with your earnings record, be sure to follow the procedure to dispute it so that your benefits will be accurate.

Issues That Affect Benefit Amounts 

Other than your work history earnings, your benefits can also be affected by things like workers' compensation benefits. If you were hurt while on the job, it's possible that you are eligible to be paid both SSDI and worker's compensation benefits. In many cases, those eligible for both are dealing with a permanent injury and have been awarded a settlement from the workers' compensation insurer. While you can be paid both SSDI and workers' comp, some of your benefits could be in jeopardy depending on the total payments. Other issues that may affect your benefit include pensions and other government benefits.

The Lump Sum Benefit

You may also be able to look forward to a lump sum benefit from the SSA if you had to wait for your benefits to be approved. Back pay is paid to those who had to stop working due to a medical or mental health condition beginning with the last day of work and counting to the present except for a few months known as the waiting period.

Many applicants are turned down for benefits. Speak to a social security disability lawyer and get help with your appeal hearing if you are denied what you deserve.