Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) serve as vital support systems for individuals unable to work due to medical conditions or disabilities. While both programs aim to provide financial relief, they differ significantly in their eligibility requirements.
SSDI is tailored for individuals with a strong work history who have paid Social Security taxes but can no longer maintain employment due to a disability. Conversely, SSI assists low-income individuals with minimal or no work history who are unable to work due to medical challenges.
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SSDI Payments in California and Nationwide
In 2024, approximately 6.5 million people benefitted from SSI, while around 7.9 million disabled workers received monthly SSDI benefits. The maximum monthly SSDI benefit in 2024 was $3,822, with the average payment amounting to $1,505. On the other hand, SSI payments were significantly lower, with an average monthly payout of $600 and a maximum of $943.
Despite their importance, these benefits often fall short of covering basic living expenses. A study by Atticus revealed that SSI payments cover less than one-third of necessary costs, while SSDI payments rarely account for even half. As of October 2023, the average SSDI benefit reached $1,665 per month. These amounts are determined based on an individual’s lifetime earnings and Social Security tax contributions.
State Payment Variations
The average SSDI payment varies by state. In 2022, the District of Columbia had the lowest average payment at $1,321.04, while Delaware recorded the highest at $1,599.97.
How SSDI Benefits Are Calculated
The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates SSDI benefits based on a formula that factors in a person’s 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation. The calculation involves the following percentages:
- 90% of the first $1,174 of average monthly earnings,
- 32% of earnings between $1,174 and $7,078, and
- 15% of earnings beyond $7,078.
This formula ensures that individuals with lower lifetime incomes receive proportionately higher benefits, maintaining fairness in the distribution of SSDI payments.
Confirmed SSDI Benefits by State
The table below highlights average monthly SSDI payments across U.S. states based on 2022 data:
| State | Average SSDI Payment (2022) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,454.98 |
| Alaska | $1,473.09 |
| Arizona | $1,542.92 |
| California | $1,524.99 |
| Delaware | $1,599.97 |
| District of Columbia | $1,321.04 |
| New Jersey | $1,648.06 |
| Nevada | $1,562.44 |
| Florida | $1,521.74 |
| Texas | $1,463.70 |
(For a full state-by-state breakdown, please refer to the detailed list in the original data.)
Payment Schedule for January 2025 SSDI Benefits
The SSA has announced the payment schedule for SSDI beneficiaries in January 2025, based on specific criteria:
- January 3: For those who began receiving benefits before May 1997.
- January 8: For beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- January 15: For beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
- January 22: For beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
FAQs
What is the primary difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on an individual’s work history and Social Security tax contributions, while SSI is for low-income individuals with little or no job history.
How are SSDI benefits calculated?
The SSA considers the 35 highest-earning years of an individual’s career, applies inflation adjustments, and calculates the Primary Insurance Amount using fixed percentages.
What is the maximum monthly SSDI payment in 2024?
The maximum SSDI payment in 2024 was $3,822.
