Indiana Social Security disability payments can vary from one person to another. Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis is often asked what a person can expect from the first monthly disability payment his client may receive in the mail. Depending on what program you qualify for, the amounts can vary and the reason you get that particular amount can also vary. The criteria to establish the dollar amount for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits versus Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are very different. There are a few things you may want to consider when examining why you receive a particular dollar amount from these two different programs.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): With this program Social Security disability payments are based on an average of the earnings over the years that you worked. This program is funded through tax revenue you are paying as you work. Because individuals incomes can vary greatly, the calculated amount of a disability benefit check can vary greatly also. This calculation can be complex and to get an accurate amount it is recommended you contact your local Indiana Social Security office.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program does not require a person to pay through payroll taxes in order to qualify for benefits. It is more of a “need” based program. Your SSI payments are usually lower the more income you receive. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may consider income as earned income, unearned income, in-kind income, and deemed income. Again, this program may seem complicated and relies on different formulas and it may be in your best interest to contact your local Social Security Administration office to receive accurate information.
Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis recommends his clients to apply for both the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program when applying for Indiana Social Security disability benefits. It may be beneficial to have concurrent claims because if for some reason an Indiana resident does not qualify for one program, they may qualify for the other. It is Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis’ experience that you should let the Indiana Social Security offices decide which program you are entitled to rather than trying to figure it out yourself.
