When deciding to apply for disability benefits in Philadelphia, many people wonder how much disability benefits will pay them. The payments typically come in on a monthly basis, unless you choose a lump sum buyout option. Payments vary depending on the program you apply for and your work history. However, certain factors concerning your past or current income may affect your claim. Talk to a Philadelphia individual disability insurance attorney to learn more.

How the SSA Calculates Your Monthly Payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine your monthly payments based on the disability benefits program you choose and your work history. Your disability benefits monthly payments might be higher or lower depending on these two factors.

Two programs are offered by the SSA called Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Your eligibility for SSDI is based on your work history. The more jobs you have worked that have paid into Social Security, the better your chances are of receiving SSDI benefits.

If you do not have enough work credits, you may have to go for SSI instead. SSI is an alternative for people who did not pay into Social Security. To be eligible for SSI, your monthly income must be below a certain amount.

SSDI often pays more with the average monthly payment being $1,063 a month. The average SSI payment tends to fall around $439 a month. However, you could receive more or less than these amounts based on the income you used to make. In recent years, some people have made up to $2,681 a month in disability benefits.

The SSA calculates these monthly payments based on your average monthly earnings and your primary insurance amount. Average monthly earnings come from the highest earnings within 35 years of your work history.

Can I Work While Receiving Disability Payments?

Many people wonder if they can earn extra income while receiving disability benefits. The answer might surprise you. Yes, you can do this, but there is a catch. Your disability benefits could be revoked if your monthly income exceeds a certain amount.

These disability benefits eligibility requirements tie directly to substantial gainful activity (SGA). Those seeking SSDI cannot make more than $1,310 a month while those seeking SSI cannot make more than $794 a month. If you make more than those amounts, the SSA may consider your SGA high enough to deny you benefits.

Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer if your disability benefits were denied. There could be a variety of reasons why your application was denied. A lawyer can help you figure out what that reason was and how you can overcome it.

Disability Attorney in Philadelphia

Finding out your disability benefits were denied can be scary when you are in need of financial help. Consider reaching out to a Philadelphia denied benefits appeal lawyer if your benefits were wrongfully denied. All you have to do is call Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (800) – 300 – 0909 today for a consultation. Our dedicated team of Philadelphia disability attorneys might be able to help you obtain the disability benefits outcomes you want.