If you are waiting for that Disability Insurance (SSDI) check in February, write down the last date from the pack of February’s payments. The 26th is the key date we’re talking about. But be careful: not everyone receives it on the same day. If your birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th of any month, the 19th is your day. If it is after the 21st, the 26th is your date. And the amount? It could go up to $4,018, but it depends on several factors (I’ll tell you).
Oh, and Presidents’ Day (February 17) plays a role: payments arrive after that holiday. Are you worried about not qualifying? Don’t worry, the SSA has its rules, but I’ll simplify them for you here.
What is SSDI and who can receive it?
SSDI is not a gift or lottery. It is insurance for those who, due to a disability, cannot work for at least a year. But be careful: it is not enough to say it. Two key requirements must be met:
- Have contributed enough time to Social Security (that is, pay your taxes as a worker).
- That your disability is verified and long-term (according to SSA criteria).
Did you work in informal or government jobs without paying Social Security? You probably don’t apply. And if your condition improves, let them know! If not, you could lose benefits.
Why do some receive less money from SSDI?
The average SSDI payment is around $1,580, but there are those who receive up to $4,018, which is the maximum this year. The reason for this is that the SSA uses a formula that includes your years of work, how much you earned (if you were addicted to overtime, that adds up), and the inflation adjustment (COLA). If you became disabled before age 35 and without many years of contributions, the calculation is done with what you have. It’s not personal, it’s math.
Additionally, you can receive the SSDI program along with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allotment. This benefit is for those with low income and resources, while SSDI depends on your work history. If you meet the requirements for both, you could access both. Of course: the SSA will review your finances and years of contributions. Should you have a complicated case, you can receive SSI while you organize your SSDI paperwork.
If you want to maximize your benefit, review your contribution history and stay up to date with paperwork. Take note of all the years and their respective contributions that you have made, and that they are all properly noted. Because for every month or year that you have not contributed, or that has not been computed, it will be considered “zero dollars,” and that will push your deposit payments down.
