What would happen if you suddenly had to force yourself to stop working because a disability or handicap has flooded your entire life? That from now on you will depend on a monthly income to be able to cover your basic needs.
Well, this is the reality for millions of people in the United States, who survive thanks to Social Security disability insurance. This is not just a government program, but it is a lifeline for millions of people who manage to face their daily lives with dignity thanks to them.
There are many things said about this payment, however, important questions arise about how it is distributed and if it is sufficient (because not all beneficiaries receive the same amount). This payment depends on the situation and the State in which you live. So we are going to tell you what the difference is between Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, because it is key to understanding everything that happens with this social benefit.
What is SSDI? And SSI?
On the one hand, SSDI is aimed at those people who have worked for a number of years, that is, who have contributed their own taxes to the Social Security Administration, but who for some reason or other have had to leave their jobs due to a disability or incapacity.
On the other hand, SCI is available to more sectors of the population who also cannot work due to medical conditions, but who do not have any work history (or the one they have is quite scarce).
Both benefits are administered by Social Security (SSA) and the 2022 data reveals that there are almost 8 million disabled workers who receive SSID while SSI helps approximately 6.5 million people.
Differences between SSDI and SSI
SSDI is based on earnings accumulated over the years (people who have worked), while SSI serves low-income people with little or no work history. In 2024, the average monthly SSDI benefit has been $1,483.10, with a maximum of $3,822, much higher than the SSI average of $600.74.
Which States have the highest SSDI payments?
This payment will vary greatly depending on the state you are in, and will be influenced by the income of residents and their contributions to the Social Security system. Below we will detail a list of the average payments by state (from highest to lowest):
- New Jersey: $1,648.06
- Delaware: $1,599.97
- Nevada: $1,562.44
- Connecticut: $1,549.41
- Arizona: $1,542.92
- Maryland: $1,542.21
- New York: $1,540.57
- Hawaii: $1,532.11
- California: $1,524.99
- Florida: $1,521.74
- New Hampshire: $1,528.42
- South Carolina: $1,512.46
- Michigan: $1,508.94
- Virginia: $1,497.40
- Colorado: $1,497.71
- Ilinois: $1,495.07
- Washington: $1,494.32
- Massachusetts: $1,493.30
- Pennsylvania: $1,493.44
- Minnesota: $1,475.73
- Utah: $1,473.63
- Alaska: $1,473.09
- Wyoming: $1,485.89
- Georgia: $1,485.38
- North Carolina: $1,483.98
- Indiana: $1,480.12
- Texas: $1,463.70
- Rhode Island: $1,464.35
- West Virginia: $1,465.15
- Wisconsin: $1,460.01
- Oregon: $1,459.64
- Idaho: $1,456.79
- Alabama: $1,454.98
- Kentucky: $1,446.53
- Tennessee: $1,446.63
- Missouri: $1,441.07
- Kansas: $1,439.17
- Louisiana: $1,421.25
- Ohio: $1,422.89
- Oklahoma: $1,423.04
- Mississippi: $1,416.49
- Arkansas: $1,415.43
- Iowa: $1,412.23
- Montana: $1,407.08
- Maine: $1,395.33
- Vermont: $1,398.34
- New Mexico: $1,398.19
- Nebraska: $1,391.82
- South Dakota: $1,391.16
- North Dakota: $1,388.96
- District of Columbia: $1,321.04
Why do benefits vary?
The SSDI calculation considers the 35 years of highest income of the individual who applies for it (adjusted even for inflation)
- 90% of the first $1,174 of income.
- 32% of income between $1,174 and $7,078.
- 15% of income exceeding $7,078.
So that those who have had lower incomes can receive a higher proportion in relation to the contribution they have made to the Administration.
So, SSDI, as you have seen, is essential for many people who have no other type of income anywhere. It is essential that people who receive it plan financially so that their needs are fully covered. In addition to all this, you can look around your community for additional resources so that you can live even more comfortably. Quality of life comes first!