How Much and How Often are Disability Payments Made?

Once you have received an award letter from Social Security, informing you that you are eligible for Social Security Benefits, you next question is usually how much will I receive in benefits and how often are the disability payments made.

How much are my benefits?

The amount of your benefits depends on how much you and your employer have paid in Social Security taxes. Social Security averages your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.  The more money you made while working, the higher the benefit payment.  Social Security sends everyone an earnings statement every year that shows your earnings record and estimates how much you would receive at retirement age and how much you would receive if you became disabled.  The only way to change the benefit amount would be to show that not all of your earnings before you stopped working are reflected in the earnings statement you received from Social Security.  Social Security also gives a cost of living increase when appropriate.

How often are benefits paid?

Disability benefits are paid by Social Security once a month. Payments are staggered throughout the month.  If your birthday falls on the 19th of the month, your payment would be made close to that date every month.  Payments use to be made to everyone who received benefits at the same time every month but this made elderly and disabled persons targets for thieves.  Social Security also encourages everyone to have their benefits direct deposited into a bank account rather than wait for a paper check for the same reason.  It also means that you have access to your money faster than waiting for the check to arrive in the mail.

Get Legal Advice

You may need a lawyer to assist you if you believe your benefit amount is incorrect.  Find a lawyer who is experienced in Social Security disability issues.  This person or persons can guide you through each system and make getting the benefits you need easier.  Social Security helps you pay for counsel by withholding a portion of any pass due benefits to pay for counsel fees.