What Is the Maximum Social Security Disability Benefit?

If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, one of your primary concerns may be the amount of financial support you can expect. Understanding the maximum SSDI benefit can help you plan for your future and ensure you have the resources to manage your expenses. SSDI benefits serve as a crucial lifeline for millions of Americans who cannot work due to a severe disability. These benefits can help cover essential costs, such as housing, food, medical care, and other daily living expenses.

However, navigating the complex world of SSDI can be overwhelming, especially when determining your potential benefit amount. Many factors, such as your work history, earnings, and the nature of your disability, can impact the amount of benefits you receive. At Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C., our attorneys can help you explore the maximum SSDI benefit for 2024 and provide the information you need to understand better how your benefits are calculated. We can also discuss the role of substantial gainful activity (SGA) and the trial work period (TWP) in determining your eligibility for SSDI benefits.

Maximum SSDI Benefit 2024

The maximum SSDI benefit for 2024 is expected to increase from the 2023 maximum due to annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). The exact 2024 maximum benefit is $3,822. This benefit is determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) based on inflation and other economic factors. It’s important to note that most SSDI recipients receive less than the maximum benefit, as the amount is based on their average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled.

Factors That Affect Your SSDI Benefit Amount

Several key factors influence your SSDI benefit amount:

• Your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) throughout your working years
• The number of years you were working and paid Social Security taxes
• The age at which you became disabled
• Your current income and resources (only for SSI, not SSDI)

Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart

The SSA uses a complex formula to calculate your SSDI benefit amount based on your AIME. The formula applies fixed percentages to different portions of your AIME to arrive at your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the base amount used to determine your monthly SSDI benefit. To estimate your potential SSDI benefit, use the SSA’s online benefits calculator or contact your local SSA office for assistance.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) in 2024

In 2024, the SGA amount for persons with disabilities other than blindness is $1,550 monthly. For those who are blind, the amount of earnings that indicate SGA is $2,590 per month. These amounts are used to determine if an individual is engaging in substantial work activity, which can affect their eligibility for SSDI benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP) in 2024

The SSA uses monthly earnings to determine if a month counts as a TWP month, which will be $1,110 per month in 2024. The TWP allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work over at least nine months without losing their benefits.

SSDI Payment Schedule for 2024

SSDI benefits are paid monthly, and the payment schedule depends on your birthday. In 2024, the payment schedule will likely follow the same pattern as previous years:

• For individuals whose birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th of the month, SSDI payments are scheduled to arrive on the second Wednesday of every month.
• If your birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th of the month, SSDI payments will be issued on the third Wednesday of each month.
• Those with birthdays between the 21st and the 31st of the month can expect their SSDI payments to be deposited on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

It’s essential to keep your contact and banking information up to date with the SSA to ensure that you receive your payments on time.

Managing the complexities of Social Security Disability benefits can be challenging, but Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. can help. Our experienced disability attorneys have been assisting New Yorkers for over 40 years. We understand the program’s ins and outs and can help you maximize your benefits and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

Contact an Experienced Attorney Today

At Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C., we recognize that every client’s situation is unique. That’s why we take a tailored approach to each case, taking the time to understand your unique needs and challenges. Our attorneys will work closely with you to gather medical evidence, complete the required paperwork, and present the strongest possible case to the Social Security Administration.

We know the SSDI application process can be lengthy and frustrating, with many claims initially denied. However, our team is committed to standing by your side throughout the process, from the initial application to any necessary appeals.

Call Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P.C. today at 516-496-0400 or contact us online to take the first step towards securing your SSDI benefits. Let us put our decades of experience and commitment to client success to work for you.