September SSDI Update – Know Who’s Getting $491 or $421 Direct Payments

If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or wondering if you qualify, there’s good news – monthly payments are continuing for all eligible recipients. SSDI benefits aren’t limited to workers with disabilities; in fact, certain family members, such as spouses or children, may also be eligible to receive payments based on the worker’s record.

As of July 2024, the average monthly payment for eligible spouses was approximately $421, while children of SSDI recipients could expect an average payment of $491.

Payment

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides regular updates on SSDI payments. According to the Monthly Statistical Snapshot for July 2024, workers with a qualifying disability receive an average payment of $1,538. This figure marks an increase compared to previous months, indicating that SSDI benefits have been adjusted upward.

Some SSDI recipients may qualify for a significantly larger check. The maximum benefit payment for 2024 is $3,822. However, not everyone is eligible for this higher amount—specific requirements must be met.

Requirements

To qualify for the $3,822 monthly SSDI payment in 2024, recipients need to meet several strict criteria. Here’s what it takes:

• Qualifying disability: You must have a documented disability that meets SSA standards.
• 35 years of work: Recipients should have a solid work history, specifically having worked for at least 35 years.
• Jobs covered by SSA: Only those who worked jobs covered under Social Security can qualify.
• Filing at the right time: To receive the full benefit, you need to file for SSDI at the appropriate age, as per SSA guidelines.
• Earning the taxable maximum: You must have earned the taxable maximum income for 35 years. This means contributing the maximum amount to Social Security through taxes over your working life.

Meeting all of these requirements is no small feat, but it opens the door to the maximum SSDI benefit.

Payment Dates

Regardless of whether you’re a worker, spouse, or child receiving SSDI benefits, your payment schedule follows the same general pattern. SSDI payments are distributed according to your birth date, with three key dates remaining in September:

• September 11: For recipients born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
• September 18: For those born between the 11th and 20th.
• September 25: If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month, this is your payment date.

For those who receive both SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI, you’ll want to mark your calendar for October 1 for your next SSI payment, followed by your SSDI payment on October 3.

Who Else Can Qualify

SSDI isn’t just for workers with disabilities. In many cases, spouses and children of workers who qualify for SSDI can receive benefits as well. Here’s a closer look at who else may qualify:

• Spouses: Eligible spouses can receive monthly payments if they meet certain conditions, such as being over a certain age or caring for a child under 16 who qualifies.
• Children: A child of an SSDI recipient can also receive benefits if they are under 18 (or under 19 and still a full-time student) or disabled before the age of 22.

How to Check

If you’re wondering whether you or a family member qualifies for SSDI, the application process is fairly straightforward. Here are the steps:

1. Check eligibility: Make sure you or the family member applying meets the SSA’s criteria for a qualifying disability or relationship to the worker.
2. Gather necessary documents: You’ll need medical records, work history, Social Security numbers, and other personal information.
3. Apply online or in person: You can apply via the SSA’s website or visit your local SSA office for assistance.
4. Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, SSA will review your information and notify you of the decision, which typically takes a few months.

SSDI payments can be a crucial lifeline for workers and their families, helping cover living expenses during times of need. With the right qualifications, you or a loved one could receive regular, much-needed financial support.

FAQs