If you live in Oklahoma City and you are struggling with a disability, you may wonder if you qualify for disability benefits. It is an important question to ask, particularly if your disability has rendered you unable to work and earn an income as you otherwise normally would. The good news is that if you are found to have a qualifying disability, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration administers two different disability benefits programs. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For both types of benefits, an individual must have a qualifying disability that has rendered the individual unable to work, but the two programs have different eligibility requirements, and benefits are calculated differently for each.

A Closer Look at Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI is a program created to support individuals who are disabled and “insured”. What exactly does it mean to be insured? Essentially, this means that the disabled individual must have worked a qualifying job for a sufficient amount of time, through which the individual paid a portion of his or her salary to the Social Security Administration.

It is important to keep in mind that generally, the severity of your disability will not impact the amount of SSDI benefits that you receive. Instead, the Social Security Administration will review your average earnings over time, a figure known as “average indexed monthly earnings” (AIME). The Social Security Administration then applies a formula including that figure to determine an applicant’s primary insurance amount or PIA.

On average, SSDI payments range between $800 and $1800 per month, although amounts will vary based on an individual’s earning history and how much they have paid into the system over time. In 2023, an individual’s maximum SSDI benefit is $3,627 per month. Individuals seeking to estimate how much they might receive can also use the Social Security Administration’s online benefits calculator.

Additionally, when calculating potential benefits, it is important to keep in mind that your monthly SSDI payment might be reduced if you receive other government benefits. Various other types of benefits might include worker’s compensation benefits, temporary disability benefits from the state in which you live, or a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security. For this reason and many others, it is always important to talk with an attorney about your particular circumstances.

What About Supplemental Security Income?

Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, individuals do not have to be “insured” in order to be eligible to receive SSI benefits. SSI benefits are administered to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. These individuals may not have worked a job through which they paid into the system, but nevertheless have a qualifying disability for which they need benefits and assistance. Income limits are determined by the Social Security Administration and may change from year to year.

The average monthly SSI benefits is between $600 and $650, although individuals can receive a maximum monthly benefit (also known as the “Maximum Federal SSI Payment”) of $914, and married couples can receive a maximum of $1371 in 2023. Generally, this amount is the amount that an individual (or married couple) would receive if they did not have any other income, or other benefits coming in to offset that amount. The monthly amount is generally reduced by subtracting countable income. In addition, individuals who are receiving SSI benefits may qualify for supplemental benefits from other sources. Much of this is dependent upon an individual’s circumstances and federal and state law.

Regardless of the type of benefit you may qualify for, is important to keep in mind that any amounts you calculate are only estimates. There is no substitute for consulting with an attorney who knows and understands the law. An attorney who understands the law can listen to your story, review your unique circumstances, and advise you with greater specificity regarding the benefits you might be eligible for. At London Eligibility, we’re here for you, and we are ready to help.

London Eligibility – Here For You

At London Eligibility, we are passionate about helping our clients fight for the disability benefits they need and deserve. We know that legal matters can seem complex and overwhelming – and the last thing you need is legal stress when you’re struggling with a disability. Instead, you can leave the legal process to us, knowing that when you do, you’ve put your case in good hands. Our talented and experienced team will pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf, and we’re ready to get started. Give us a call today and let us know how we can help. We look forward to speaking with you soon.