How Much Does Social Security Pay for Disability?

You've probably wondered how much Social Security pays for disability. How is it calculated? Before starting to talk about this topic, it is important to clarify that each case is different. Therefore, it is important that you speak with a Social Security disability attorney. They will consider the specific details of your case to guide you accordingly.

Social Security will take into account whether you have your work credits and other requirements that we will let you know in detail so that you can receive your disability payment. That is why in this article we explain some factors that you should take into account for an accurate calculation.

It is Social Security that determines your disability case

Social Security is the one who determines what a disability is. Many people often present documents to their Social Security attorneys stating that their doctor is disabling them from work. The fact is, your doctor may make some recommendations, but the final decision is in the hands of Social Security.

However, it should be noted that Social Security is very strict with each disability case that is presented. For them, disability is defined as a condition so serious that the person cannot maintain their job. It must last a period of 12 months or more.

What is the disability claim process like

Once Social Security determines that you have a disability, you will be called for an interview. They will take into account what you have put in the original application to consider disability payment. The payment of disability benefits can take several months because it must go through several stages. A Social Security lawyer will be your best help in this process.

There are cases in which your disability claim for benefits could be denied. When this happens you may have an appeal hearing to consider your application and it may take a few months. The most important thing is that you can prove your disability. A lawyer from Fuentes & Fuentes can help you collect all the evidence. The idea is that you do not feel that you are alone in this process that is often very long and has many requirements to obtain your disability payment.

How much can Social Security pay for disability

We will clear some doubts that have to do with how much Social Security pays for disability. It is important to make it clear that the payment of Social Security for disability will depend on several factors that we can explain in more detail in a personalized consultation. The payment will not be the same for all people who apply. This way, if you are eligible for disability payment, the Social Security Administration will do its calculation. The amount you receive monthly will be based on your average earnings before becoming disabled.

Therefore, this payment is not related to the severity of your disability or the amount of income you have at the time of your application. Furthermore, if you receive disability payments through other means, there is a possibility that your payment will be reduced. That is why if you want to discuss disability payment exceptions you can consult with one of our Social Security attorneys right now.

For example, in 2022 there are people with disabilities who obtained a payment between $600 to $1,400 on average. This amount will be adjusted acoording to the conditions or case of each person based on the calculation made by Social Security.

Let's look at other factors that the Social Security Administration evaluates to determine a disability payment:

Age
Payment of taxes on your own account
If you have children or a spouse
If you worked in a job that contributed to Social Security
If you were away from work for a long time

How to Calculate Your Social Security Disability Payment

The money awarded monthly by Social Security is a different amount for each individual. However, the calculations for determining Social Security disability payments are often complicated.

Your disability benefits are based on the amount of income on which you have paid taxes, or what is known as “income” in Social Security. Likewise, Social Security knows the proportion of your income for a given period when calculating your adjusted monthly earnings (AIME). In this way, a formula will be applied in your AIME to calculate the amount of your primary insurance (PIA). In this case, it will be the basis regularly used by Social Security to know what your disability benefit will be.

As we have already said, it is a complex formula because it involves fixed percentages that can be different amounts of income. In effect, these are known as “inflection points” because they are adjusted year after year.

In another order of thoughts, you can access your covered earnings history in order to review your annual Social Security return. Previously, the Social Security Administration mailed annual statements. But now, this is a procedure that in Fuentes & Fuentes we can help you do. We will tell you which website to go to and other steps you should take to estimate what your disability payment may be.

Can other disability payments interfere with Social Security disability payments?

This is a very common concern among people who want to receive their Social Security disability payment, but also receive other disability payments. The truth is, if you are currently receiving other disability payments from private insurance, this will not affect your Social Security benefits.

However, when receiving state temporary disability benefits or government-regulated disability benefits, the following may occur. Your benefits may be affected by not being able to receive more than 80% of the average amount you earned before becoming disabled for Social Security.

We can advise you to receive Social Security disability payment

We hope to have answered some questions related to how much Social Security pays for disability. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, at Fuentes & Fuentes we can advise you with the requirements you need to opt for your disability payment. Since there are usually many requirements, we have Social Security lawyers who will let you know everything related to this application.

We make sure that your case is well represented and that you have clear evidence to receive your disability payment. Today we can offer you a free consultation no matter where you are in the USA, Puerto Rico, or the USVI. We don't charge anything until your application is approved and you start receiving your disability payments. Contact us.