Eligibility for SSDI and Disability Benefits
Americans with new disabilities in 2024 may have heard of SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). To receive disability insurance benefits, you must have a qualifying disability or be blind.
Next, if you meet either of these two requirements, you need to check if you have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. To do this, you can easily download your statement from the Social Security website using “My Account.”
Who Else Can Receive Supplemental SSDI Family Benefits?
Once you know whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you should pay close attention to your family’s eligibility. Yes, some family members may be eligible for monthly payments.
Keep in mind that if you are the child, spouse, or former spouse of someone receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, you may be eligible for what the SSA calls family benefits.
Depending on the circumstances, grandchildren may also be eligible to receive these family benefits. The Social Security Administration considers marital status, age, and other factors to determine whether your family members can receive benefits while you receive SSDI benefits.
Average SSDI and Family Benefit Payments
On average, SSDI recipients receive $1,537. Just to let you know, this is only an average. Eligibility varies by recipient, and the amount you receive depends on your age when you apply, how much you earn as a worker, how many years you’ve worked, and how much tax you’ve paid to the SSA.
As of June 2024, the average payment for the spouse of a disabled worker is $420. Children of disabled workers can also receive monthly benefits, with an average of $493.
If your income is so low while you’re receiving SSDI that you think your expenses will be too high to make ends meet, apply for Supplemental Security Income (SNAP) at the same time. SNAP benefits can also help you buy groceries.