In California, you can qualify for Social Security Disability. You might be interested to know how much you might qualify for and take steps to make sure you’re receiving as much as possible. You might have questions, which a knowledgeable local disability attorney can address. A common one we field is, “How much is Social Security Disability in California?”
Are SSI and SSDI the Same Program for Benefits?
The SSA uses a basic amount for your benefits, which is also affected by:
First, it’s important to understand that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are not the same thing. SSI qualifies people for benefits based on their income level, and it is generally limited to people with total assets of $2,000 or $3,000 for a couple.
However, SSDI eligibility is founded on work history and the amount of your taxes paid into Social Security. Of note, SSDI generally pays more benefits than SSI. You can apply for either SSDI or SSI online at the Social Security Administration website. You can also apply in person at any local Social Security office.
How Can I Check the Amount of SSDI I Can Expect to Be Paid in California?
There is an easy way to determine the exact amount you can get from SSDI benefits in California. The fastest way to estimate your payment amount is by creating a free mySocialSecurity account, which can estimate the exact amount you could expect each month.
Once you’ve set up a Social Security Administration account online, you can also check your income history, look at your work credits for prior work, and learn about your benefit status for retirement. If you notice any errors, you may want to correct them, as that could possibly increase the amount of your SSDI benefits.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in California?
In California, you must have:
- Worked, meaning an individual worked at least five out of the last ten years.
- Paid into Social Security taxes sufficiently.
Of note, your payment might be lower than you perhaps expected if:
- You have family members who could support you.
- Your living arrangements impact your income.
- You live in a facility providing medical care to you.
- You receive certain types of income that lower your SSDI payments, like workers’ compensation payments, state disability benefits for short-term disability, or some additional government pensions.
How Can I Possibly Increase My SSDI Payment?
The only way to increase your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payment is to increase your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). Your AIME is the beginning point for how the Social Security Administration calculates your SSDI benefits. Your AIME is actually your average income total from jobs covered by Social Security, which is then adjusted for inflation calculations.
You can increase your SSDI payment if you increase your AIME, which would mean working for over a year at a position with a higher income that would impact your earnings average. However, this is potentially unrealistic if you’re already going through the process of applying for disability benefits.
Nevertheless, you can make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to with your benefits. In your mySocialSecurity account, it’s helpful to go through your earnings history to see if anything was missing or even underreported. If you can fix any mistakes with the SSA, it could increase your AIME, and it may adjust your SSDI payments. A knowledgeable attorney with experience handling benefits issues just like yours can guide you through this process.
FAQs
Q: How Much Social Security Disability Can I Get in California?
A: In California, to qualify for disability benefits, you must meet the definition of disability through the Social Security Administration. You also must have worked sufficiently long and recently enough to qualify for the program. Please note your benefits might be reduced if you get help with food or rent payments from someone living with you in the same residence. A knowledgeable attorney can estimate your amount of anticipated benefits.
Q: How Can I Determine How Much Social Security Disability I Can Get?
A: You can create your own account using the SSA’s online tools to estimate how much you might receive. You can determine your expected payment if your disability application is approved. The SSA uses a basic amount for your benefits, which is also affected by:
- Any other government benefits
- Work credits
- Your Trial Work Period (TWP) of nine months over a 60-month period, during which time you can make an unlimited income amount without affecting your benefits
Q: What Is the Average Monthly Payment for Social Security Disability?
A: The average monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit is $1,537.13. Consider that most people on benefits receive less than $2,000 each month. To qualify for benefits under SSDI, you must have:
- Qualified under the SSA definition of disability
- Worked long enough and recently enough, following the Social Security rules
- Have earned work credits through Social Security
An attorney can estimate your potential disability benefits and answer any monthly payment questions you might have.
Q: How Much Does a California Social Security Disability Attorney Cost?
A: In California, Social Security Disability attorneys charge a variety of fees. However, disability attorneys usually handle this type of case on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are only paid if you win your case (i.e. if your benefits are approved or reinstated). Usually, if your claim is denied, you won’t pay your attorney anything.
You can discuss an attorney’s costs during an initial consultation. There, they can address whether they bill for anything else, like incidental costs or filing fees.
Trust Our Extensive Experience in Successfully Handling Social Security Disability Claims
The disability attorneys at Gade & Parekh, LLP, can estimate the amount of Social Security Disability benefits you can expect to receive in California. They can discuss how to qualify, what you might want to provide within your application documentation, and any issues that arise with the application process. Please contact our skilled legal team right away to set up an initial consultation for your individual Social Security benefits situation.
