How Much Can I Make On SSDI
If you’re looking for disability benefits, your best option is to apply for Social Security disability. But there are two federal programs to consider. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an option if you’ve worked and paid taxes for years. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available to people who don’t have much work history, children with disabilities, and people over age 65. Both programs come with strict eligibility requirements and a long application process, but the monthly disability checks and free health insurance are worth the effort. SSDI offers higher earning potential — the maximum possible SSDI check is $3,822 per month versus $943 with SSI. But which program you apply for depends on your situation. Some people also qualify for both.
How much does SSDI pay in 2024?
In 2024, the maximum monthly amount you can get from SSDI is $3,822. But most people aren’t getting nearly that much. The average SSDI benefit is only about $1,489.26 per month.
Calculating your SSDI benefits
Qualifying for SSDI doesn’t mean the Social Security Administration (SSA) will cut you a check for a set amount. Instead, how much you get is based on your historical earnings and how much you’ve paid into Social Security through the years. You can calculate your SSDI benefit amount on your own, but the easiest way to see how much you’d get is to create a free mySocialSecurity account. Once you do, you’ll see exactly how much the SSA expects you to receive through SSDI.
SSDI vs. retirement benefits
Your monthly SSDI payment is exactly the same as your full Social Security retirement benefit. But keep in mind that you won’t get your full retirement benefit until you reach your full retirement age — between 66 and 67 years old, depending on when you were born. So SSDI offers you more money each month (plus the same health insurance) compared to taking early retirement benefits (ERBs).
Average SSDI payments by state
The size of your SSDI check depends on your income and tax history, but average benefits do vary by state. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of the average SSDI amount to give you an idea of how much people get in your area.
How much does SSI pay in 2024?
In 2024, SSI benefits max out at $943 per month. That said, just like SSDI, most people aren’t getting that full amount. In November 2023, the average recipient got an SSI payment of $674 each month.
How SSI benefits checks get calculated
With SSI, any money you’re bringing in directly reduces the size of your benefit check. That includes income from a job but also passive income sources like state disability programs, VA benefits, and SSDI. Even if you don’t have your own income, living with someone else who pays for all of your housing or food could also lower the value of your monthly SSI check.
Can you get SSDI and SSI at the same time?
Yes, you can qualify for SSDI and SSI together, though generally your SSDI benefit will be worth too much for you to also qualify for SSI. Many people who qualify for SSDI also won’t qualify for SSI because either their income or assets will be too high.
How to apply for disability benefits and win
No matter which disability program you qualify for, the monthly checks and free health insurance are a big help. But getting benefits is complicated. The application is long and you’ll probably have to go through multiple rounds of denials and appeals. To help you get through the application confidently, we’ve created this step-by-step-guide based on the advice of our lawyers.
Frequently asked questions about disability payments
Which pays more, SSDI or SSI?
SSDI pays more than SSI. The maximum possible SSDI payment is $3,822 per month, while SSI pays up to $943 per month in 2024. Exactly how much you get depends on your individual situation. Some people do qualify for SSDI and SSI at the same time.
Does my disability affect how much I get from SSDI or SSI?
No, your medical condition doesn’t impact the amount you receive from Social Security disability benefits. Your SSDI benefit is based on your income and tax history, while your SSI income is based on your other monthly income.
What state has the highest SSDI payment?
The state with the average SSDI payment is New Jersey at $1,648 per month, per the SSA’s most recent statistical report.
What state has the highest SSI payment?
As of the start of 2023, SSI recipients in the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) had the average SSI payment at $606 per month.
Can I still work if I get SSDI?
You can work on SSDI, but if you earn close to $1,550 per month in 2024 (the substantial gainful activity limit), it could mean losing benefits.
What counts as income for SSI?
SSI counts most income sources when finding your benefit amount. That includes work income but also other disability benefits you receive, and assistance you get from someone else for paying rent or utility bills.