Get What You Are Owed: Social Security Disability Payment Amounts

The government tries to make it easier on those who can no longer work by providing monthly benefits. These payments are not charity; they are instead distributed from funds that workers have paid into the system throughout their lives. Read on to learn more about getting what you are owed.

Not a salary replacement

You should understand that the money you get from your Social Security disability payments is not meant to replace your most recent salary. Since going through the application process is somewhat daunting and lengthy you might need to adjust your expectations and accept that the amount provided will constitute a major reduction in income for most people.

Know before you apply

Most people want to know right away how much they can expect to receive a month, and you can actually find that amount out by accessing the Social Security website. You can register and view your earnings records that show how much Social Security earnings you've accumulated over the course of your working life. You can see an estimate of how much you would get per month if you became disabled today and how much you can expect upon retirement at the various ages and levels.

Work credits

Viewing your results using the website has to be easier than trying to figure it out using work credits. Work creditors are the method the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine how much you get if you become disabled. You get so many work creditors for earning a certain amount of money and you have to have a minimum number of those work credits onboard before you can get benefits.

Maxing it out

You may have been a high earner when you were able to still work at your job and that could mean that you qualify for the highest monthly amount from the SSA. Unfortunately, the benefits have a top cap and no matter how much money you made within the reporting period you can only receive a maximum of $2,788 a month.

Adding income

The SSA allows applicants to earn some money in addition to the disability payment as long as the rules are followed. You must report all income and let the SSA know exactly how you earned the money. It only stands to reason that you cannot participate in the same type of work that you were previously awarded benefits to replace. There are also limits on how much you can earn each month, but generally, you can earn up to $1,180 a month and still get SSA benefits.

If you have been denied your benefits or you simply want more information, seek legal counsel from offices like Attorney John B. Martin Law Offices.

Share