Social Security Disability benefits exist to help those who are unable to work due to injury or illness make ends meet. They are some of the most important safeguards our government offers citizens, but benefits can be difficult to secure. If you’ve been injured and are considering applying for Social Security Disability, you probably have a lot of questions, including how much you can expect to receive.
First, let’s discuss how Social Security Disability benefits are calculated. If you apply and are approved to receive benefits, you will start receiving disability payments on a monthly basis. These monthly payments are based on two factors: your salary before you were disabled and the number of years you’ve paid Social Security taxes. If you are like most Americans, you’ve paid into the Social Security system on every paycheck since you started working. That means your ending salary is the main component that will determine your benefits.
Determining the exact amount is best left to a professional, but you can get a good idea of what your monthly benefit might be by taking a look at your annual Social Security statement. Under “Your Estimated Benefits” you’ll find a line item entitled “Disability.” If you were to become disabled at the time that statement was issued, you would be entitled to an amount close to the figure shown on the right side of the column. Depending on your personal situation, that number can fluctuate, but it’s a good starting point for estimating benefits.
Getting Social Security Disability can make all the difference for Nashville families with a disabled loved one. However, securing those benefits can be tricky. In fact, more than two-thirds of initial applications are denied. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help navigate the application and appeal process to give you the best chance of getting benefits. Give us a call today for a free consultation. We’d love to hear from you.