Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries get average payments worth $1,489 in 2023. Although it may be enough for a few recipients, many others cannot make ends meet because they have a family, a mortgage, and many other medical expenses.
It is true that a very small percentage can receive up to $3,627, but they are the exceptions to the rule. It is more likely that you are in a disadvantaged position after your disability appeared.
Not even the 3.2% COLA increase can make things much better. Instead of $1,489, disability beneficiaries may receive about $1,537. So, why not look for alternatives to supplement your monthly income?
DISABILITY BENEFICIARIES CAN RECEIVE PAYMENTS OF UP TO $943 IN 2024
If your income is low and you have a qualifying disability you can get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For some, this may be public opinion, but if you are new to this situation it will definitely come in handy.
A single person can cash a check worth $943, but married couples who qualify can get up to $1,415. These amounts will increase from December 29 and the 2023 SSI amounts are $914 and $1,371.
Women with a disability that have children may also be eligible for WIC payments. So, it could be another payment you could apply apar from SSI. The more money you can bring home the better.
What is more, if you get SSI, you may also be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in all 50 states. This will allow you to get money to buy healthy food. Food insecurity is something that USDA wants to reduce as much as possible.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SSI?
There are three groups of people who can apply for Supplemental Security Income. For example, if you are blind or someone you know is, you can apply for SSI.
People with a qualifying disability can also get SSI payments. Remember that if you are already receiving SSDI, it will be easier to qualify for Supplemental Security Income. Seniors aged 65 or older may also get SSI even if they do not have a disability.
Apart from belonging to one of these groups, you must also have a limited income and limited resources. Only U.S. residents can apply for SSI and some noncitizens who get a qualifying alien classification from DHS. Visit your Social Security office to find more details or start your application on: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/start.html
HOW MUCH WILL SSI BENEFITS INCREASE NEXT YEAR?
This year, the maximum monthly SSI amounts are $914 for an individual, $1,371 for a married couple where both spouses are eligible for the program, and $458 for an essential person.
With the 3.2% COLA increase for next year, these amounts would rise to $943, $1,414.8, and $472.6, respectively.
Although the COLA increase has already been announced, its implementation in payments will take effect in December and will first be reflected in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments beginning in January 2024.
In the case of SSI, monthly payments are issued on the first day of each month. However, if this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the payment is advanced to the last Friday of the previous month. If it is a holiday, the payment is made on the first preceding business day.
Therefore, the January 2024 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment increase will be advanced, being sent on December 29, 2023, since the first day of 2024 is a holiday.