If you are unable to work because of a disability, you may be wondering whether or not you should file a claim for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. Without question, being unable to work can cause tremendous financial stress, and monthly benefits can be very helpful in making ends meet during a difficult time. Many often wonder how much they might receive if they are approved for disability benefits. The answer depends on the type of benefit you would receive, and a variety of other factors.
What Social Security Disability Benefits Are Offered?
Before you can determine how much you might receive in disability benefits, it’s important to understand the differences between the types of benefits that are offered.
The Social Security Administration has two disability benefit programs, and eligibility will depend upon particular circumstances. The two types of benefits offered include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance: Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or SSDI benefits, for short, are funded through employment taxes and are therefore intended for “insured” individuals who are disabled. Being “insured” essentially means that the applicant worked a job for a sufficient length of time through which they regularly paid a portion of their salary in taxes to the Social Security Administration.
- Supplemental Security Income: Unlike SSDI benefits, SSI benefits are not funded through employment taxes. Instead, they are funded through general revenue. As a result, disabled recipients do not need to be “insured” to receive benefits. Instead, applicants need to have income and resources below a specific annual limit established by the Social Security Administration.
Regardless of the type of benefit you pursue, it is essential to understand that two additional conditions must also be met. These include:
- A qualifying medical condition: To determine if a particular condition qualifies as a disability, the Social Security Administration will often consult its Blue Book. The Blue Book is a listing of a wide variety of impairments and their accompanying symptoms. Those who present sufficient medical evidence to establish that they have a condition in the Blue Book will usually increase their chances of being approved for benefits, although it is not strictly necessary. Those who do not have a condition specifically included in the Blue Book may simply need to present additional medical proof.
- That has lasted for one continuous calendar year or more: This requirement is fairly self-explanatory. Those who have disabilities that last for less than a year may decide to seek other types of short-term disability benefits but will not be able to collect disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Depending upon your particular situation, you may qualify for SSDI benefits, SSI benefits, or both. Let’s take a closer look at how much those benefits might be worth on a monthly basis.
A Closer Look at Calculations
Understanding exactly how the Social Security Administration calculates benefits can be complicated. As a general rule, however, it is important to realize that SSDI benefits are generally calculated on the basis of work and earnings history, while SSI benefits are determined on the basis of income and resource level. Regardless of the type of benefit you receive, it is helpful to remember that the particular condition you have will not affect the amount of benefits you receive. While this rule has limited exceptions (such as in the case of blindness), this is typically the case.
It’s also important to keep in mind that although benefit amounts will depend upon various factors, each type of benefit has a maximum monthly amount. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $4,018. The maximum monthly SSI benefit in 2025 is $967 per individual and $1,450 per couple.
How Long Will You Receive Benefits?
In addition to wondering how much they might receive in benefits, many applicants also wonder how long they might receive those benefits. Generally, as long as the factors that qualify you for the benefit remain the same, you will continue to receive those benefits. If you continue to have the same disability, you continue to be unable to work, and you continue to fall within the income, resource, and work history requirements set by the Social Security Administration, you will likely continue to receive your benefits up to and until the time you reach retirement age, or your circumstances change.
Muse Disability – Here For You
When you are disabled and unable to work, Social Security disability benefits can be an essential source of financial support and security. At Muse Disability, our knowledgeable and experienced team of attorneys understands that – and it’s why we’re passionate about helping you pursue the benefits you need and deserve. We know and understand the law and are ready to put that knowledge to work for you. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.