Some people may know that a condition they have will become worse as time goes by. Therefore, they will end up filing for Social Security Disability Insurance. If this is your case, you should make sure you have worked for at least 35 years if possible.
Therefore, it will be of vital importance that you start working as soon as you can. Those workers who have not worked for 35 years will get a reduction in their payments. So, both applicants for retirement and disability benefits should aim at working for a minimum of 35 years.
The second way to increase your future disability payments is to earn more money per month. In this way, you will pay more taxes to the Social Security Administration and your future check will increase. Thirdly, the older you are when you file for Social Security, the larger your payment will be. Social Security benefits stop growing when you are 70 years old.
HOW CAN I INCREASE MY BENEFITS IF I RECEIVE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE?
Once a year, the Social Security Administration will increase your disability benefits and you do not have to do anything at all. This happens when inflation goes up and there is an annual Cost of Living Adjustment. But there are other ways to get more from the Administration.
For example, if your situation has changed, you may now qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while on disability benefits. If you have a baby and your family is larger, your family income is smaller because you are more people.
So, apply for SSI and get up to $943 (if you are single) or up to $1,415 (married couples) in 2024. Some pregnant women or women with a baby or child under the age of 5 may be eligible for WIC. So this could be another option to explore if you are on a really low income. SSI is for blind people and people with a disability, so you may qualify.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits can help you buy some food too. They are known as SNAP benefits and they are the former Food Stamps. Monthly checks can be between $291 (maximum amount for an individual) and up to $1,751 (maximum amount for a family of eight). Disability beneficiaries can get SNAP if they have a low income.
HOW CAN I GET MORE MONEY WHILE ON SOCIAL SECURITY?
If you have a disability but it is possible for you to do some work, you may get more money. Have a look at the Ticket to Work Program. It supports people on disability benefits so they can develop their careers.
Do not worry because the Ticket to Work Program does not cost anything and it is optional. Therefore, the Social Security Administration will not force you to take part in it while you are on disability benefits.
By joining this program you can achieve financial independence. Let’s be honest, average SSDI checks are just $1,489 in 2023, so they are not enough. Inflation soaring prices and higher interest rates are to blame.
The main advantages of participating in the Ticket to Work Program are the fact that you can continue receiving SSDI payments for some months, you can enjoy Medicaid and Medicare too, or even get some training to look for a new career path.