In Pennsylvania, the exact amount of Social Security Disability benefits that someone gets can vary a lot based on their situation. Maximizing these benefits and trying to get the highest possible level can make a big difference when it comes to income, so it is worth researching.
Social Security Disability
The Social Security Disability application process can be lengthy because you are required to prove that you are sufficiently disabled and that you can no longer work. Once a person does qualify, the government will determine how much they are entitled to get. This is based on the lifetime earnings of the worker before they became disabled. The goal is to provide a proportional income to what the worker had before, so their salary level and the number of Social Security credits they have earned are the starting point.
Each year, there is a maximum possible benefit level, and there is no way to make more than that. For example, in the 2022 tax year, the max SSDI benefit level is $3,345 per month. Most people will earn less than that, and the average is about $1,400. The payments will continue for as long as there is no change to the person’s disability status or ability to work. The hard-won benefits can potentially last for the rest of the person’s life. The family and other adult caretakers can also be eligible for benefits if they spend a considerable amount of time and resources on providing care.
SSDI payments are based on factors that are often not in the worker’s control, and it is important that they get their application submitted as soon as they can to avoid delayed benefits.