The Social Security Administration offers two different programs to help people with disabilities. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that does not require a work history for payments but does require financial need.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not based on financial need. Instead, the SSA bases benefit amounts on how much money a person contributed to their SSA account over their lifetime.
Kansas City SSDI benefits can make a massive difference if your family is struggling because of a disability. Contact a knowledgeable SSDI attorney today to learn more.
To qualify for SSDI benefits, an applicant must have the required number of work credits. People pay for their SSDI through payroll taxes and contribute to the Social Security trust fund by paying Social Security taxes. Payroll tax payments translate into credits, which the SSA uses to determine your eligibility.
Credits are based on financial contributions, not hours worked. A high-wage worker could obtain their credits in a few short weeks, while a minimum-wage worker may have to work all year to obtain them.
Individuals can earn up to four credits each year and need 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI. In addition, half of the credits need to come from the last ten years.
The amount of your SSDI payments is based on your contributions to SSA. The maximum payment for SSDI as of 2024 is $3,822 a month for an individual. For those who have dependent children, there may be an additional benefit.
The SSA uses your average covered earnings—also known as your average indexed monthly earnings to determine your primary insurance amount. SSDI is not based on how long you have been disabled, the severity of a disability, or similar factors. Instead, it is based on your earnings history and what taxes you paid into your SSA account.
External factors can influence your benefits, including worker’s compensation coverage, employment income, SSA retirement benefits, and outstanding government debt collections. A Kansas City attorney who handles SSDI claims can determine which types of benefits you are eligible for.
One significant distinction between SSI and SSDI is that SSDI also has dependent benefits. When a person is unable to work, it impacts the entire family. Spouses and children of disabled workers, as well as surviving spouses and children of deceased workers, may make the applicant eligible for more benefits.
If you are receiving SSDI benefits, your spouse can also qualify if they are 62 or older, caring for a dependent child under the age of 16, or caring for a disabled child of any age. If your spouse is 62, they are only eligible if they are old enough to receive survivor benefits or their own retirement benefits. Additionally, they get their own Social Security benefits first.
If you are receiving SSDI benefits and have minor children or a child with a disability who became disabled before age 22, there may be additional family benefits. Children must be unmarried and under 18 unless the child is also disabled. The SSA recognizes biological, adopted, and stepchildren as dependents.
The SSA also allows a spouse and children to obtain up to half of the amount of your disability claim. During an initial meeting, a Kansas City lawyer can provide more information on SSDI benefits.
The SSDI process can be complicated to navigate on your own. A BurnettDriskill lawyer can help you get the compensation you earned through years of paying your FICA SSDI payments.
Consult an experienced disability attorney today to learn more about Kansas City SSDI benefits.
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