Understanding SSDI Benefit Amounts: How Much Can You Expect?
Unlike other types of disability benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) calculations are based on your work history and earnings rather than the nature or severity of your disability. As such, securing the correct SSDI benefit amount can be complex. However, a skilled legal team can help ensure you receive the full amount you are entitled to under federal law.
Our attorneys at Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC, have helped secure SSDI benefits for thousands of Georgia residents since 1993. With over 7,500 successful cases handled, our Atlanta, Fayetteville and Cartersville office teams have consistently guided clients through benefit calculations and appeals, helping ensure they receive their maximum eligible amounts.
Factors That Determine Your SSDI Benefit Amount
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to determine your monthly SSDI benefit, primarily based on several key factors:
- Average indexed monthly earnings (AIME): This considers your wages or self-employment income, adjusted for inflation.
- Work history and Social Security credits: You need specific work credits to qualify for SSDI; recent work history and higher earnings can positively impact your benefit amount.
- Other income: Additional income sources may impact eligibility and benefit amounts.
- Government benefits: Other benefits may reduce your SSDI through offset rules.
- Family size: Family and dependents may adjust your benefit under SSA limits.
At Rogers Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC, we can help you determine your entitlement to SSDI benefits and the amount.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Offset For SSDI Benefits
Some people receive both workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits. In that case, federal law limits the combined amount to 80% of your average pre-disability earnings. If the total exceeds this threshold, your SSDI benefit will be reduced. Here are some key points:
- The offset applies until retirement age or when workers’ compensation ends.
- State workers’ compensation settlements are prorated to determine monthly amounts for offset calculations.
- Legal fees and medical costs may reduce the offset amount.
- Private disability insurance benefits do not affect SSDI.
Having legal support to navigate these adjustments is essential to help ensure you are receiving the maximum allowable benefits.
Estimating Your Benefits With Your Social Security Statement
The Social Security Administration mails you an annual statement that provides an estimate of your potential retirement and disability benefits. While not an exact figure, it can give you a general idea of what to expect if you become disabled. You should:
- Review your complete earnings record for accuracy
- Identify any missing or incorrect income reports
- Take steps to correct the record with SSA
- Determine how recent earnings impact benefit amounts
Our careful attention to detail can help ensure no details are overlooked when calculating your benefits.
Maximizing Your Benefit Amount
Currently, the maximum benefit for a disabled worker is $3,822, while the average SSDI benefit is around $1,542 per month. Maximizing SSDI benefits involves:
- Timing your application properly in coordination with workers’ comp, if applicable
- Making certain that all of your wages and self-employment are properly recorded
Our lawyers’ extensive experience with the SSDI system allows us to help you navigate these requirements effectively and pursue your maximum eligible benefit amount.
Contact Us Today
No matter your specific case, our attorneys at Rogers Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC, can provide reliable legal support. Call 770-884-6705 or use our online form to request a case evaluation. Our team serves clients throughout the greater Atlanta metropolitan area from our convenient offices in Atlanta, Fayetteville and Cartersville.