One of the most common questions we receive from our clients who’ve been approved for benefits is: “How much should I expect in Social Security payments every month?”

If you are approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the amount of money you receive will be based on either the average of your lifetime earnings before your disability started. These are referred to as covered earnings, which you paid Social Security taxes on.

How Does the SSA Calculate SSDI and SSI Benefits?

Calculating SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

SSDI benefits are based on your work history and how much you earned while working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at your lifetime earnings, adjusts them for changes in wages over time, and calculates an average monthly earnings amount. They then use a formula to determine your monthly SSDI benefit. In general, the more you earned and paid into Social Security over the years, the higher your SSDI benefit may be.

Calculating SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

SSI is a needs-based program designed to help pay for basic living expenses like food and housing. The amount you receive depends on your income, resources, and living situation. If you earn money from work or receive other income—such as pensions, unemployment benefits, or disability payments—your SSI payment may be reduced. Generally, SSI payments decrease as your countable income increases. See SSI Maximum Chart listed below for current federal maximum payments.

How Often Does Disability Pay?

​The SSA pays out SSDI benefits on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on what day of the month you were born. However, there are exceptions to this.

In general, if your birthdate falls between:

• The 1st and 10th: your payment will arrive on the second Wednesday of every month.
• The 11th and 20th: your payment will arrive on the third Wednesday of every month.
• The 21st and 31st: your payment will arrive on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

SSI payments are paid on the first of every month. If the first of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, your SSI payment will arrive on the closest business day before, usually on the last Friday of the previous month.

You can always view your Social Security benefit schedule on the SSA website.

SSDI Average Monthly Benefit Amounts (2021-2026)

The table below highlights the average monthly SSDI benefit for disabled workers each year from 2021 through 2026, along with the corresponding annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) used to adjust Social Security payments.

SSI Monthly Maximum Payment Amounts 2020-2026

The table below shows the monthly maximum Federal SSI payment amounts for eligible individuals and eligible couples from 2021 to 2026.

What Is COLA And How Does It Affect My Benefits?

​Each year, the SSA reviews the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the prices of goods and services. If this number increases by a certain amount, you will automatically receive a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). If there is one, the SSA announces the COLA each year in October. As a Social Security Disability benefits recipient, you will receive this increase in benefits in January of the new year.

Turn to the Experienced Social Security Disability Attorneys at Disability Attorneys of Michigan

​When a disabling condition or injury keeps you from earning a living, it could turn your life upside down. And while an approval for benefits is a major relief, the disability process does not stop there. Speak with the trusted disability lawyers at Disability Attorneys of Michigan for free to ensure that you receive the full scope of benefits that you need and deserve.

Contact us today by submitting an online form or calling our office at (800) 949-2900 for a free case evaluation.