How Can I Increase My SSDI?

You may have a chance to increase your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits by submitting a request to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

However, the SSA will only adjust your benefits in extremely limited circumstances.

Because life can change unexpectedly, you or a family member may be able to qualify for higher SSDI benefits. An Atlanta Social Security Disability lawyer can provide information on how to increase your SSDI benefits and what steps are needed to submit your request.

How Can You Increase Your SSDI Benefits?

In general, the SSA calculates SSDI benefits based on your earnings, which is why effective wage reporting is so important. However, this also limits the ways in which you can increase your benefits on your own.

That said, there are a few life changes that help people with disabilities.

Your benefits may change after:

The Death of a Spouse

If your spouse, or an ex-spouse, has passed away, you might be entitled to survivor benefits. 

This means you could become eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on a deceased spouse’s earnings record if you meet the applicable requirements. Even if you are already receiving this type of benefit through the death of another spouse, you may still qualify.

You Reach Retirement Age

Retirement age is usually between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year. Individuals who reach full retirement age will automatically have their SSDI benefits converted to retirement benefits.

While the monthly payment amount remains the same, the Social Security Administration’s strict caps on earned income are lifted. 

The Death of an Adult Child

If your adult child dies and you were financially dependent on them, you may qualify for Social Security parents’ benefits if you meet the SSA’s eligibility requirements.

This is usually applicable if you depended on your child for financial assistance, for example, if they provided at least half of your income support.

You Take Charge of a Disabled Child

Caring for a child with a disability can be costly for any household, which is why you may qualify for additional Social Security benefits. This helps you care for a child who has significant, long-term needs.

Factors That Influence Your SSDI Benefits

Some factors will influence your disability benefits from the time you qualify for funds from the SSA.

For example, you may receive additional benefits based on:

Your Work

If you have a work history, you could be eligible for higher disability or retirement benefits if you’re a senior citizen. This can vary from person to person, so for more in-depth information on how your work could qualify for additional benefits, speak to one of our Social Security Disability lawyers in Atlanta, GA.

A Former Marriage

As part of your benefits assessment, you may be able to receive payments based on your ex-spouse’s work record. You must be at least 62 years old, currently unmarried, and your former marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years.

However, there’s no guarantee that you can get benefits.

Past Military Service

You could receive additional benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you have a service-connected disability and meet the VA’s eligibility requirements. VA benefits are separate from SSDI and SSI. 

An attorney in Atlanta can give you more information about the impact of your military service on your monthly payment. They can also explain the difference between SSI and SSDI, and whether you can receive both SSDI and SSI benefits.

Your SSDI Benefits May Increase Every Year

The SSA generally increases disability payments every year due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). This helps ensure your payments keep pace with rising inflation and living expenses.

You do not have to do anything to secure this increase. It should happen automatically when the SSA recalculates disability benefits. Just make sure you review your payments to make sure there aren’t any errors.

An attorney can give you more information about COLA changes and how you can increase your SSDI benefits.

How to Find Out the Full Amount of Your SSDI Benefits

The SSA and the federal government offer online resources, such as the Benefit Finder, that can help you get a general idea of what programs you may qualify for.

Often, you may be directed to an online questionnaire where you answer a series of questions about your work history, family circumstances, income, and any other relevant details. This helps you determine what benefits and programs you might qualify for.

The results are only an estimate. A Social Security Disability lawyer in Atlanta can offer further guidance about your situation and explain how your benefits may be calculated.

How to Maximize the Benefits You Receive From SSDI

You can maximize your disability payments by providing detailed and thorough information when applying. Individuals suffering from a new disability should apply for these benefits as soon as possible to prevent gaps in their financial support.

Meet the SSA’s Strict Criteria

To get the most out of your benefits, you need to meet all the necessary requirements.

As part of this eligibility determination, you must:

• Meet the SSA’s work requirement, meaning you have earned enough work credits by paying into Social Security through your employment history
• Meet the SSA’s disability definition and have been disabled (or be expected to be disabled) for at least 12 months or for a condition expected to result in death
• Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)

The more you can show how your condition is disabling, the better your chances of approval. Even if you qualify, the SSA could deny your application due to a lack of information.

An attorney can walk you through all the steps of the application process to improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

Update the Social Security Administration About Any Changes

If your individual or family circumstances change, let the SSA know right away. Certain changes can make you eligible for higher benefits, and the sooner you update your information, the sooner you can start receiving financial support.

If you’re a senior citizen who needs to retire early because of your condition, consider applying for SSDI benefits first to potentially avoid getting lower retirement payments. Then, you can start getting Social Security benefits when you reach retirement age.

Consider Other Types of Benefits

You might be eligible for additional benefits besides your SSDI each month. Look into other governmental assistance you might qualify for, and consider local social services or assistance programs in your area.

Why Hiring an SSDI Lawyer is Important

The SSA doesn’t make it easy for individuals to receive benefits, let alone increase the amount of benefits it gives out to each person. Despite the difficulty surrounding applying for and increasing SSDI benefits, you aren’t alone in your struggle.

A legal representative can help you by:

• Reviewing all aspects of your application and disability case
• Assisting you throughout the application or appeal process to ensure everything goes smoothly
• Handling all your communications with the SSA and other parties involved
• Scheduling appointments with the SSA
• Representing you and your best interests at all times

Remember, SSDI isn’t a handout or applying for charity. You earned these benefits by paying into them throughout your time working. So, don’t feel guilty about pursuing the proper amount of benefits you think you deserve, or for studying how you can increase your SSDI.

Talk to Us About Increasing Your SSDI Benefits

So, how can you increase your SSDI benefits? People with disabilities might increase their SSDI after specific life changes. However, SSDI benefits can be complicated and confusing. It’s best to consult with an Atlanta Social Security Disability lawyer to understand your options.

At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping SSDI applicants for over 20 years. We know the ins and outs of the system and how the SSA handles claims. To schedule your FREE consultation, call us or contact us online. We can explain what SSDI is and how it works.

Our primary goal is to help you maximize your benefits. If we can’t do this for you, you owe us absolutely nothing in return.