There are several key requirements you must meet in order to be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. One such requirement is that you must have worked a certain amount of time in jobs that are covered by Social Security. In fact, the actual benefit payment you receive every month will largely depend on your average lifetime of earnings prior to becoming disabled.
The severity of your disability does not factor in your monthly Social Security Disability payment. The only factor used to determine your monthly payments is your average lifetime of earnings prior to when your disability arose.
This amount will, however, be potentially reduced accordingly for some other disability payments you may be receiving from other sources. However, Social Security Disability, unlike Supplemental Security Income, does not deny applicants based on having too much income or access to too many financial resources.
Only “covered earnings” are used in averaging your lifetime earnings for Social Security Disability purposes. “Covered earnings” includes income from jobs that have paid into the Social Security system. If you have ever reviewed your paychecks and seen that money was withheld for either “Social Security taxes” or “FICA,” then that is what is meant by jobs where your earnings would be considered “covered earnings.”
The majority of earnings are classified as “covered earnings.” The average of your covered earnings is referred to as your “average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). The Social Security Administration (SSA) will then apply a formula using your AIME to reach your primary insurance amount (PIA). Your PIA is the basic amount that SSA will use in establishing your monthly benefit amount.
Your PIA will be subject to applicable reductions. Reductions are not applicable based on receiving disability benefits from private sources. Private sources of disability payments may come from something such as a private pension or private insurance benefits.
How Much Does Disability Pay in Arizona?
In Arizona, the amount you receive in disability benefits depends on several factors, including your work history, earnings history, and the type of disability program you qualify for. The two main federal programs providing disability benefits are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSDI benefits are calculated based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) and your primary insurance amount (PIA), which reflects your past earnings history and the Social Security taxes you have paid. The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a formula to your AIME to determine your monthly SSDI benefit, which can vary widely depending on your specific work and earnings record. The maximum SSDI monthly payment in 2024 is $3,822, but most recipients receive less than this amount. The average monthly SSDI payment in Arizona tends to be around $1,700, which is close to the national average.
SSI benefits, on the other hand, are needs-based and designed to help individuals with limited income and resources meet their basic needs. The maximum federal SSI payment in 2024 is $943 per month, but this amount can be reduced based on any other income you receive, including wages or other benefits. Arizona does not currently provide a state supplement to SSI, so the federal maximum is the amount most recipients receive.
When applying for disability benefits, your medical records and detailed work history are crucial components of your disability claim. These documents help SSA determine your eligibility and the exact amount you qualify for. Because the application process can be complex and the average wait time for approval can be lengthy, many applicants choose to work with a disability lawyer who can assist in gathering medical evidence, submitting paperwork correctly, and appealing denials.
It is important to note that other income, such as workers’ compensation, pensions from an insurance company, or veterans affairs benefits, may affect the total cash benefits you receive. However, some types of income do not reduce your Social Security disability payments. The SSA also considers your gross income and has limits on how much you can earn while still qualifying for benefits.
In Arizona, disability applicants can apply for benefits online, in person at local Social Security Administration offices such as those in Apache Junction, or by phone. The average wait time for initial approval can vary, and many applicants face denials requiring appeals. Working with an experienced disability lawyer can improve your chances of being approved and help you navigate the process efficiently.
Overall, the exact amount of disability pay you receive in Arizona depends on your individual circumstances, including your earnings history, medical condition, and other factors. Understanding these elements and seeking professional guidance can help you maximize your benefits and secure the financial support you need.
These private sources of payments will not affect your monthly Social Security Disability benefits payment. Payments from other public disability benefits, however, may affect your benefits payment. Receiving workers’ compensation benefits for an on the job injury, for instance, may justify a reduction in your monthly benefits payment.
There is also a limit on how much you may receive from SSDI and other public disability benefits. The combined total amount of money you receive from SSDI along with all other public disability benefits you receive cannot exceed 80 percent of your average earning amount prior to becoming disabled. Should the amount exceed 80 percent of your average earnings prior to becoming disabled, the excess amount would most likely be deducted from your monthly SSDI benefits amount.
Arizona Social Security Disability Attorney
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits and calculating how much you will receive each month can both be complicated. While these public disability benefits programs can be critical to providing individuals with the ability to make ends meet, they can be extremely difficult to understand. Roeschke Law is here to help. For all of your Social Security Disability questions, we are here with answers. Contact us today.