For those who successfully apply and qualify for Social Security disability benefits, many people wonder how much they will receive each month in payments. There is not one simple answer to this question, as it depends on which disability benefits you are eligible for, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Also, another factor is how much money you earned and paid into the Social Security system. If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may be eligible for SSI disability benefits if you are low income. SSI benefits are $750 per month at the maximum level. In America, 12 million people with disabilities receive either SSI or SSDI. In 2014, the average annual benefit for a disabled worker in Georgia was $14,028 or $1,169 per month. This was only slightly higher than the federal poverty threshold for a working-age single person of $12,316.
While certainly beneficial, it is difficult in Georgia to live solely off a disability payment. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Georgia is $908, which would leave on average only $261 for other costs—making subsidized housing one of the only affordable options for most people. For information on finding affordable subsidized apartments in Georgia, based on your desired zip code and number of rooms, click here. The average utility bill per month is $134.14 in Georgia. Food costs in Georgia are higher than the national average. Disability recipients may also qualify for SNAP benefits (food stamps) which generally are about $187 a month for a single adult. Also, public transportation is not nearly as extensive in Atlanta as in other cities, especially for those living in the suburbs or rural areas. Many cannot afford transportation.
The Social Security Administration also has the ability to decide that you are unable to handle your benefit payments yourself. In this case, you will be assigned to an Social Security Representative Payee to handle your benefits for you, who are required to spend the money on basic living expenses before giving any money to you for other purposes. These payees are often family or friends, but when this is not available, the Social Security uses qualified organizations as payees. Any remaining funds from the payments are required to be put into a saving account for your future use. It is your responsibility to talk with your payee about how your money is being spent.
If you have any questions about if you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits, please contact this law firm.