How Much is My Social Security Claim Worth?

When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one of the most pressing questions is: How much will my claim be worth? The value of your claim depends on various factors, including your work history, income level, and eligibility for different types of benefits.

Understanding SSI vs. SSDI

Social Security provides two types of disability benefits:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Based on your work history and contributions to Social Security through payroll taxes. Your benefits amount depends on your lifetime earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. Work history is not required, and the federal maximum monthly benefit is $967 for individuals in 2025.

Factors That May Affect Your Claim’s Worth

Several key factors influence the amount you receive from Social Security Disability benefits:

Work History and Earnings (For SSDI Applicants)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates SSDI benefits based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability. The more you have worked and contributed to Social Security, the higher your potential benefits.

How SSDI Benefits Are Calculated

SSDI payments are determined by your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which reflects your average earnings over the years you worked. The SSA applies a weighted formula to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): 

• 90% of the first $1,174 of AIME
• 32% of AIME between $1,175 and $7,078
• 15% of AIME above $7,078

This results in your monthly SSDI benefit before any deductions, such as Medicare premiums. In 2024, the average SSDI payment is about $1,537 per month, with a maximum benefit of $3,822 for those with higher lifetime earnings.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

For those who qualify for SSI, the federal maximum monthly benefit in 2025 is:

• $967 for an individual
• $1,450 for a couple

However, the actual amount may be lower depending on other income, resources, and living arrangements.

Other Sources of Income

Certain other benefits may reduce your disability payments:

• Workers’ Compensation & Public Disability Benefits: SSDI benefits may be reduced if your combined benefits exceed 80% of your pre-disability earnings.
• Veterans’ Benefits, Pensions, or Other Government Benefits: These may affect SSI payments but generally do not impact SSDI.
• Financial Support from Family: SSI is strictly needs-based, so any additional income can lower your payment amount.

Can You Receive Both SSDI and SSI?

While some people may qualify for SSDI and SSI, known as concurrent benefits, receiving SSDI can reduce your SSI payment since SSI is needs-based.

For example, if your SSDI payment is $800 and you qualify for SSI, you may receive a partial SSI payment to bring your total income up to the federal SSI limit.

How Workers’ Compensation and Other Benefits Impact Your Claim

If you receive workers' compensation or other public disability benefits, your SSDI payments may be reduced. These benefits combined cannot exceed 80% of your average current earnings before your disability.

For example, suppose your pre-disability earnings were $4,000 per month, and your workers’ compensation payment was $2,500. In that case, your SSDI benefits may be reduced to keep the total within 80% of your previous earnings.

Other Factors That May Affect Your Benefits

• Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA): SSDI and SSI benefits increase periodically based on inflation.
• Dependent Benefits: If you have eligible dependents (such as children under 18 or disabled adult children), they may receive up to 50% of your SSDI benefit.
• State Supplements: Some states provide additional SSI payments, increasing the amount you receive.

Can You Increase Your Disability Benefits?

While you can’t directly increase your SSDI amount, there are ways to maximize your benefits and ensure you receive the maximum available.

• Ensure your earning history is accurate. SSA calculations are based on your recorded work history, so check your earnings statement for errors.
• Apply for dependent benefits if you have eligible children. 
• Explore additional state or federal assistance programs that may provide supplementary financial support.

Making the Most of Your Benefits

Understanding how much your Social Security Disability claim is worth can help you better plan your financial future. The SSA considers multiple factors, including your past earnings, other sources of income, and eligibility for concurrent benefits. If you have questions or need assistance, consulting a Social Security Disability attorney can help ensure you receive the maximum benefits you're entitled to.

If you're preparing to file a claim, gathering documentation, tracking your medical records, and understanding how your income affects your benefits help make the process smoother and more predictable.