Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the national assistance program meant for those who are disabled, and have worked and have paid into Social Security for a certain amount of time.
The average SSDI payment is currently $1,277 per month. But what goes into that calculation? The numbers are devised from a national scope and are set by a few different factors.
How Average Lifetime Earnings Factors Into SSDI
The amount you can receive monthly for SSDI is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. If you’re receiving other disability benefits, the monthly amount may be reduced. You cannot be denied based on unearned income or too many assets.
SSDI payments are based on average covered earnings over a period of the year, known as average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The Social Security Administration (SSA) then uses a formula to calculate a primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the basic figure the SSA uses to set the actual benefit amount.
By going to www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm, you can get an estimate of what your benefit amount could be.
How Other Sources of Income and Assets Factor Into SSDI
Private pension or insurance benefits do not affect potential SSDI benefit amounts, but other public disability benefits can affect the number. Examples include workers’ compensation payments, temporary benefits paid by the State of Oregon, military disability, and additional state/federal programs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and VA benefits do not factor into the calculation.
With a variety of confusing stipulations and numbers to meet, it’s easy to see where the value of a trusted Social Security claims attorney comes in. Application approval is often difficult and requires a professional to help guide you through the dispute process. Call Drew L. Johnson, P.C. today at (541) 434-6466 to schedule a free consultation.
