How to Increase Social Security Disability Payments: 7 Effective Strategies

After receiving approval for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’re unsure if the benefits you’re receiving will be sufficient. You might wonder, “How can I increase my Social Security Disability payments?” At Fusco, Brandenstein & Rada, P. C. we’re dedicated to assisting you in making the most of your benefits. We can help you with everything from understanding the eligibility requirements to handling the appeals process.

Navigating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) system can be complex, especially when it comes to maximizing your benefits. While the initial application process is challenging, understanding the potential for increasing your monthly payments is crucial for ensuring financial stability and well-being. This comprehensive guide explores seven effective strategies to help you increase your Social Security Disability payments.

1. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA):

The Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically adjusts SSDI payments annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) ensures that your benefits keep pace with inflation, protecting their purchasing power over time. The COLA percentage varies each year, typically ranging from 1% to 5%.

2. Recalculation of Disability Benefits:

If your medical condition worsens or your work capacity changes, you may be eligible for a recalculation of your SSDI benefits. This process involves submitting updated medical evidence and documentation to the SSA, demonstrating the increased severity of your disability and its impact on your ability to work. If your case is approved, your monthly payments will be adjusted accordingly.

3. Work for at Least 35 Years Before Retiring:

The amount of SSDI benefits you receive is directly related to your lifetime earnings. The longer you work and contribute to Social Security, the higher your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) will be, resulting in a larger monthly benefit. Aiming to work for at least 35 years before retiring can significantly increase your SSDI payments.

4. Wait Until Full Retirement Age to Apply for Disability Benefits:

If you are eligible for both SSDI and retirement benefits, it is generally advantageous to wait until you reach full retirement age to apply for disability benefits. This strategy allows you to receive a higher retirement benefit, which can offset the lower SSDI payments you may receive initially.

5. Apply for Social Security Spousal Benefits:

If you are married to someone who has a substantial work history, you may be eligible for Social Security spousal benefits. These benefits are based on your spouse’s earnings and can supplement your own SSDI payments, providing additional financial support.

6. Seek Legal Assistance:

Navigating the SSDI system can be complex, and legal assistance can be invaluable in maximizing your benefits. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand your eligibility, gather necessary documentation, and file appeals if your initial application is denied.

7. Utilize Available Resources:

The SSA offers various resources to help individuals understand their SSDI benefits and explore potential increases. The Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) allows you to check your eligibility for various benefits, including SSDI. Additionally, the SSA website provides comprehensive information on claiming benefits, reporting changes, and appealing decisions.

Increasing your Social Security Disability payments requires proactive planning and understanding of available options. By implementing these strategies and utilizing available resources, you can maximize your benefits and ensure financial stability during your time of need. Remember, the SSA is committed to providing support to individuals with disabilities, and seeking assistance when needed can make a significant difference in your financial well-being.

Factors That Influence Social Security Disability Payments

When calculating how much to pay you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA takes a number of factors into account. Work history, family situation, and income are some of the factors that affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Here are some of the main factors:

Earnings History: The SSA determines your primary insurance amount (PIA), which serves as the foundation for your SSDI benefit, by utilizing your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) throughout your working life. Higher lifetime earnings generally result in higher SSDI payments.
Disability Onset Date: The SSA determines the date on which your disability started. This date affects when you begin receiving benefits and may have an impact on the amount, particularly if you are receiving retroactive benefits.
Age: The SSA uses your age at the time of disability onset to determine your AIME, which can have an impact on the amount of benefits you receive.
Work Credits: Your benefit amount is also influenced by the quantity of work credits you have accrued over the course of your career. Your yearly earnings are the basis for these credits, which may affect your eligibility and payment amounts.
Family Status: Your total SSDI payment may go up if your spouse or kids are eligible for SSDI dependent benefits. You could receive a monthly payment of up to 50% of your disability rate for each eligible family member.
Income from Other Sources: Your SSDI benefits may be impacted by some types of additional income. For instance, receiving public disability benefits such as workers’ compensation may result in a reduction of your SSDI benefits.

It is common for a benefit recipient’s circumstances to alter after they submit an application or are granted eligibility. If you or a family member receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your eligibility for an increase in federal benefits may be impacted by specific life events. For instance, you might be qualified for a larger Social Security benefit in the event that your spouse or ex-spouse passes away.

Visit the Social Security website’s benefit information to see if you or a family member qualifies for a benefit based on someone else’s work or a higher benefit based on your own work. To determine whether you qualify for benefits that Social Security manages, you can also utilize the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST). This tool will list benefits for which you might be eligible and provide you with more information about how to qualify and apply based on the answers you provide to its questions.

Not only can you use our website, but you can also give us a call at 1-800-772-1213, toll-free. We treat all calls confidentially. We can answer specific questions from 8 a. m. to 7 p. m. , Monday through Friday. In general, calling during the week after Tuesday will result in a shorter wait time. We are able to offer information via automated phone support around-the-clock. (You can request a replacement Medicare card or notify us of a change of address using our automated response system. For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, our TTY number is 1-800-325-0778.

How To Increase Income And Get Social Security Disability Benefits – 2 ways

FAQ

Can you get more money from Social Security disability?

If you have worked, you could be eligible for higher disability or retirement benefits based on your work. This can vary from person to person, so for more in-depth information on how your work could qualify for additional benefits, speak to one of our Social Security Disability lawyers.

What if my disability check is not enough?

When your disability check isn’t enough to live on, you may have additional options at your disposal. For example, you may qualify for extra help in specific areas such as health care costs, food, and housing. Different federal, state, and local programs may be available.

How do I qualify for the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There’s really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.

How do I ask for a benefit increase in SSDI?

Filing Appeals When Necessary – If your SSDI claim was denied, or you think your benefits are lower than they should be, an attorney can handle the appeals process on your behalf. This process can be lengthy and complex, but it can also increase your benefits.

How can I increase my Social Security disability payments?

There are ways you can increase Social Security Disability payments. Depending on your situation, you can earn more money with Cost of Living Adjustments, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, caring for a dependent child, and working past retirement age. Below are seven tried and true ways to increase your Social Security Disability payments.

What exercises can I do if I am disabled?

You can try simple exercises like walking, jumping, shoulder retraction exercises, chest squeezing exercises, toe taps, knee lifts, etc. It is proved that aerobics and aqua jogging will benefit the disabled in a great way. Exercising in water will provide more support to your body and reduce risk of muscle/joint discomfort. But, do water exercises only under proper assistance.

Can I increase my SSI payment?

You can’t increase your SSI payment, but it can be lowered if you’re doing any of the following: holding a lot of assets (like money in the bank). Some states pay a supplement—increasing the maximum benefit you could get. But most SSI recipients get around $600 or $700 per month, significantly lower than most SSDI payments.

How do Social Security benefits increase?

Once you begin receiving benefits, there are three common ways benefit checks can increase: a cost of living adjustment (COLA); additional work; or an adjustment at full retirement age if you received reduced benefits and exceeded the earnings limit. The COLA is the most commonly known increase for Social Security payments.