Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart 2022
August 16, 2022 | Social Security Disability
If you cannot work and have a qualifying disability, you may be entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits. These benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in tandem with Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD).
You’ll initially send your application to the SSA, which will review it and determine whether the basic eligibility requirements have been met. Qualifying applications are then forwarded to the BDD to determine whether the medical eligibility requirements have been met, which includes an examination of medical evidence demonstrating your disability.
The BDD processes approximately 145,000 disability claims annually. These claims help disabled persons receive benefits when they meet specific criteria. However, restrictions apply based on inflation and other factors. Continue reading to learn more.
How Are Social Security Disability Benefits Calculated in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Your SSDI benefits are calculated based on your average lifetime income and work credits earned. They are typically higher than SSI benefits, which are calculated based on financial need. You qualify for SSDI benefits because you are considered “insured” under the disability trust fund due to the Social Security taxes paid while you, your spouse, or your parents were employed.
SSDI benefits may be reduced if you receive other monthly payments, such as workers’ compensation benefits. They increase to account for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), which factor in inflation.
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA), meaning you must earn under a certain threshold.
In 2022, the maximum allowable monthly SGA amounts you can receive are as follows:
- $1,350 for non-blind, disabled workers
- $2,260 for blind, disabled workers (note: this threshold doesn’t apply to SSI benefits)
- $970 for workers participating in a trial work period (note: this doesn’t apply to SSI benefits)
If a person receiving disability benefits begins earning compensation over any of these applicable SGA thresholds, they’ll be ineligible to continue to receive benefits.
What Are Pennsylvania’s Maximum Monthly SSI and SSDI Amounts in 2022?
The Social Security Administration sets the maximum monthly amounts you can receive in SSI benefits each year.
SSI benefits typically increase annually based on COLAs to the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR).
The maximum monthly amount of SSI benefits you can receive in 2022 are as follows:
- $841 for individuals living independently
- $1,261 for couples living independently
- $560.67 for an individual living with someone else and sharing household expenses
- $840.67 for couples living with someone else and sharing household expenses
Your living arrangement and whether you receive assistance paying for expenses affect the benefits you can receive. For example, if you’re living in your own home but receive help paying your monthly electric bill, your SSI benefits will be reduced accordingly.
Additionally, Pennsylvania administers other supplemental payments, which may increase the disability benefits you receive each month:
- Medicaid usually automatically applies if you’re receiving SSI benefits.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be available to help you pay for food without using your SSI benefits.
- You may be eligible to receive assistance with social services, like referrals and needs assessments.
The 2022 maximum monthly SSDI benefits a worker can receive who retires at full retirement age is $3,345. However, this is well above the average.
Contact the Social Security Disability Lawyers In Pennsylvania at Marzzacco Niven & Associates For Help With Your Application Today
Filing for Social Security benefits can be a challenging process. Initial applications are frequently denied, particularly if you attempt to navigate the process alone. An experienced Social Security disability attorney will help you increase your chances of success.
If your claim has been denied, an attorney will evaluate the letter of determination, help you file an appeal, and ensure that you include the required information. This process is complicated because there are different levels of appeals you can select. Therefore, reach out to an attorney for assistance in appealing the denial of your disability application.
If you’ve been injured in a social security disability, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
Harrisburg Law Office
SSD lawyer in Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640
York Law Office
SSD lawyer in York
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998
Wyomissing Law Office
SSD lawyer in Wyomissing
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325
Chambersburg Law Office
SSD lawyer in Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378
Carlisle Law Office
SSD lawyer in Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732
Carbondale Law Office
SSD lawyer in Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810
Lancaster Law Office
SSD lawyer in Lancaster
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954
Lebanon Law Office
SSD lawyer in Lebanon
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963