Can You Survive on SSDI Income in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?

Going from one type of income to another can be hard for disability benefit recipients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If you’re finding the transition difficult, our attorneys can help.

Surviving on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) income might initially be a challenge for recipients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It may take time to become accustomed to a different payment schedule and income, so contact our attorneys if you’re having difficulty. If your monthly payments aren’t enough to support you and your family, you may be able to take on a part-time job. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) limits how much disability recipients can earn in additional income. If your first check from the SSA doesn’t appear correct, tell our attorneys, and we can contact the SSA so that you start receiving the proper amount.

Our team is here to help people in Pennsylvania and New Jersey get the SSDI benefits they deserve. For a free case evaluation with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, call today at (215) 515-2954 or (609) 557-3081.

How Do You Survive Financially on Disability in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

Adapting to monthly Social Security Disability Insurance checks can be challenging for recipients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our attorneys can help you understand the way these payments are structured and what your monthly payment might be so that you can properly prepare for the change.

When people in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are approved for disability benefits, they will receive payments within five months. Depending on the time it took for the Social Security Administration to review your claim, you may be entitled to back pay. This can help SSDI recipients who are without incomes for the time it takes their claims to be reviewed.

To easily survive financially while on SSDI payments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, preparation is key. It’s wise to begin by estimating your monthly benefit. A recipient’s SSDI payment will be based on their earning record. Generally, those who have worked longer qualify for a larger monthly benefit from the SSA.

Because SSDI benefit recipients get checks monthly and not bi-monthly, they may have to change their approach to managing their finances. Our Pennsylvania disability lawyers can help you restructure your finances so that your bills and other expenses are paid on time according to your new income schedule.

How Long Can You Stay on SSDI in Pennsylvania and New Jersey?

In many cases, SSDI benefit recipients can get monthly disability payments until they reach retirement age. However, if you no longer meet the criteria for disability benefits in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, your monthly payments may stop.

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are designed to replace income for those unable to work because of a qualifying illness, injury, or disability. Because of that, many SSDI benefit recipients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can receive monthly payments until they reach retirement age. At that point, your monthly payments will change from SSDI benefits to retirement benefits. If you run into any issues during this transition, reach out to our New Jersey disability lawyers.

If you continue to meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI benefits in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you can receive them until you reach retirement age. However, if you earn too much in additional income or your condition improves, no longer qualifying you for benefits, your monthly benefits may cease entirely.

What if Your Disability Benefit is Not Enough in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?

Disability benefits may not be identical to your previous income before you were diagnosed with a qualifying disability, illness, or injury in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. If your monthly benefits are not enough to support you and your family, you may be able to earn additional income up to a point.

Those who receive disability benefits in Pennsylvania and New Jersey might find their monthly benefit isn’t enough. In that case, you might be able to take on a part-time job and earn additional income. If you’re considering doing this, be sure to speak with our Quakertown disability lawyers first. The Social Security Administration only allows SSDI benefit recipients to earn a certain amount in additional income each month.

In 2023, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month. For blind recipients, the SGA limit in 2023 is $2,460 per month. Earn over the SGA limit in additional income in a month, and the SSA may revoke your benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance benefit recipients with part-time jobs should also be aware of trial work periods (TWPs). If you earn over $1,050 in additional income in a month, a TWP will automatically be triggered. After nine months of earning over the TWP limit, SSDI benefit recipients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey might lose their benefits. Our attorneys can identify a TWP and take the necessary steps to reinstate your SSDI payments if they’re in jeopardy.

Can You Increase Your SSDI Benefit in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?

Once the Social Security Administration calculates your monthly Social Security Disability Insurance benefit amount, there’s not much you can do to change it. However, if the SSA makes a mistake, our attorneys can step in to make sure you receive the amount you deserve each month.

Monthly SSDI payments are calculated based on a recipient’s earning record. Generally, those close to retirement are the only ones eligible to receive the maximum monthly benefit. In 2023, that amount is $3,627 per month.

If you were recently approved for SSDI payments in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, and your first check appears incorrect, reach out to our attorneys. Our Trenton disability lawyers can assess your earning record to determine if the SSA’s calculations are accurate. If they’re not, we can reach out to the SSA so that your monthly benefit is corrected.

Call Our Lawyers About Your SSDI Claim Today

If you wish to apply for SSDI benefits in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the Mount Laurel disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, call today at (215) 515-2954 or (609) 557-3081.