Social Security Disability Benefits: What You Can Expect to Receive

If you are applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, you may be wondering, “How much Social Security Disability will I get?” Here we’ll give you a better idea of who is eligible for Disability, what your benefits may look like, and other important information you need to know.

What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work. To qualify you must have a disability or blindness and must have enough work history. You can check to see if you qualify here.

What Can You Expect to Receive?

Your benefits will include a monthly payment and Medicare. Your payment amount is based on your work history before your disability began. You can create an account with the Social Security Administration to get a payment estimate.

As far as Medicare, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare 2 years after you became entitled to Disability Benefits. You can opt out of Part B medical coverage if you choose. There are also special eligibility timelines if you have End Stage Renal Disease or ALS.

How Much Social Security Disability Will I Get?

Your SSDI monthly benefit is based on your average covered earnings over a period of time, which is referred to as your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). The maximum payment for SSDI in 2025 is $4,018 a month (up from $3,822 in 2024). You can use the Social Security Administration’s Online Benefits Calculator to get a better idea of your monthly payment amount.

Increase Your Payments with Supplemental Security Income

If you are low-income, you may qualify for additional money each month. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments of up to $967 for people with limited income and resources. If you’re eligible, you may be able to get Disability and SSI at the same time. Applying for SSI won’t affect your Disability application. You can see if you qualify for SSI here.

Can You Continue to Work?

You can continue to work with restrictions, but you must report any work. According to the Social Security Administration, “You can return to work for at least 9 months and still get your full Disability payment. We call this a “trial work period.” In 2025, any month you earn over $1,160 before taxes will count towards this trial. The months don’t need to be consecutive, just within a rolling 5-year period. There’s no limit on how much you can earn during the 9 months.”

Additionally, for the next 3 years, called an extended period of eligibility, you can also continue to work. You can earn up to $1,620 per month, or $2,700 if you get Disability due to blindness and still receive Disability for that month.

What other questions do you have about Social Security Disability Benefits? Let us know in the comments.

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Teri Monroe

Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.