How Much Money Can You Get on Disability in Pennsylvania?

The amount of Social Security Disability benefits you could receive depends on the program. There are two separate programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA): Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI).

SSDI is designed for people who have paid into the Social Security Fund through their payroll or self-employment taxes. What you will receive if you qualify for SSDI will be based on the amount of income you earned and the length of your employment. SSI is needs-based and will be calculated according to your income, assets, and resources.

Receiving any Social Security Disability benefits is not guaranteed. The application process is challenging and many initial applications are denied. To increase the likelihood of receiving monthly benefits, you should engage our experienced Philadelphia Social Security Disability benefits attorneys. To schedule, a free appointment at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, call (215) 515-2954.

2021 Social Security Disability Benefits Payments in Pennsylvania

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must be a disabled worker who paid into the Social Security Disability program through your FICA taxes. Additionally, you must be under 65 and have earned a sufficient number of work credits.

Your monthly SSDI benefits payments will be based on your previous earnings. This means that each recipient might receive a different amount. Nonetheless, the SSA applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to your monthly payments. In 2021, monthly payments will increase by 1.3%. The COLA increase is reflected in the first monthly payment of the new year.

The estimated average a Pennsylvanian will receive under SSDI is approximately $1,259 a month. Remember, these payments are based on the recipient’s lifetime earnings and not on their household income or the severity of their disability. If you have a copy of your annual Social Security statement, you could determine what you will likely receive under the Estimated Benefits section. Typically, a disabled worker will receive approximately 150-180% of the disabled worker’s benefit. If you have any concerns regarding your benefits, contact our Pennsylvania Social Security Disability lawyers.

Supplemental Security Income Benefits for 2020 in Pennsylvania

Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program that is funded through the general tax fund. It is designed for disabled individuals with limited income and resources who did not earn enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.

If you are an eligible individual, you could receive up to $794 a month in SSI benefits. If you are a couple, the amount will increase to $1,191. For your specific amount, the monthly benefit is reduced by subtracting your countable income. If you are married to a qualifying spouse, the monthly amount is equally divided between the two individuals. Countable income includes any income or cash that can be used for food or shelter. It could also be “in-kind” income, such as direct food or shelter.

The SSA determines countable income every month. This amount is subtracted from your Federal benefit. Our experienced Allentown Social Security lawyers will thoroughly review your income, assets, and resources to determine what the SSA would consider countable income.

Qualifying for SSDI or SSI Benefits in Pennsylvania

Whether you are applying for SSI or SSDI, you will have to demonstrate you have a qualifying medical condition or impairment. This is an area where many applicants fall short. It is crucial to provide enough medical evidence and documentation to prove you have a qualifying condition.

The SSA keeps a “Listing of Medical Impairments” that will automatically qualify you for SSDI or SSI benefits if you met the listed requirements. Known as the “blue book,” this listing serves as a guide to both SSA case specialists and applicants. If your medical condition is not listed in the SSA’s blue book, you could still qualify by meeting a portion of the criteria of multiple listings.

By working with our experienced West Chester Social Security Disability lawyers, you could avoid many common mistakes resulting in denials. It is important to remember that obtaining Social Security Disability benefits is difficult – the majority of initial claims are denied.

You want to provide the SSA with sufficient medical evidence for an independent medical judgment regarding the severity of your medical condition or impairment. The information must be current, accurate, and from an acceptable medical source. It is also important that your medical records date back further than the date of your application for disability benefits. The SSA wants to see your medical history to determine how your condition developed and if its impact has been growing more serious.

Your treating physicians also play a vital role during the initial application process. Merely stating that you are disabled is not enough. By providing a medical statement from your doctor and any specialists that are treating you, you will be able to paint a richer picture. For example, if you are suffering from a degenerative spinal condition, the medical statement could explain the tests that were run, their results, and the prescribed treatment. Without compelling medical evidence, your application will be denied and you will not receive any SSDI or SSI benefits.

Call Our Pennsylvania Social Security Benefits Lawyer for More Information Regarding Your Potential Benefits

Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance form a necessary safety net for millions of disabled individuals and their families. You do not want to assume you will qualify for benefits because you are suffering from a medical impairment and have either worked for years or have limited income and resources. The Bucks County Social Security Disability lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates will help you get the benefits you need. Call (215) 515-2954  to set up a free consultation.