Whether you have been approved or already receiving disability benefits, you may be wondering if these benefits will increase if your medical condition gets worse. Unfortunately, the amount of Social Security disability paid out does not depend on how severe your disability is or how much your condition limits your daily life. There are, however, other options that may be available to increase disability payments.
Learn more below about receiving disability and how benefits can increase in certain situations. A Phoenix Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm is here to offer legal advice in a free consultation.
How Disability Benefits Are Determined
Being approved for disability benefits requires meeting specific eligibility requirements. A recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) would require a solid work history and have paid into the Social Security system. Disability payments are issued based on work history and your current income.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses substantial gainful activity (SGA) to determine whether an individual is making too much income to be eligible for SSD. Making too much income would suggest that you are not disabled enough to not work.
Disability benefits are not based on the kind of medical condition you have or the severity of that condition. It is based on your history of paying taxes into the Social Security system and whether or not your income is more than the monthly SGA amount.
Blindness is the only medical condition that can affect a recipient’s disability payments. Unlike other disabilities, having a visual impairment can significantly lower the ability to meet SGA.
Ways Your Disability Benefits May Increase
An increase in monthly disability payments will not happen just because your medical condition worsens. However, there are other ways you may be able to receive greater payments.
A recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for higher disability payments if his or her worsening condition affects his or her earnings. SSI is affected by income and if your income is too high, you may no longer be eligible for these benefits. If your condition gets worse and your income becomes lower, you may be able to receive a higher monthly payment to make up the difference.
As mentioned, having a worsening condition that impacts your eyesight may be able to increase your disability benefits. For 2020, the monthly SGA for blind applicants is $2,110 verses $1,260 for non-blind applicants.
Have You Been Previously Denied Benefits?
Applying for disability benefits and receiving a denial is more common than you think. What you may be unaware of is that you have the right to re-apply for SSDI should your medical condition worsen. The appeals process would require filing for reconsideration of the decision and presenting new evidence. At this stage, it would be best to consult with an experienced lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Speak With a Qualified Disability Attorney
If you have a disabling condition that affects your ability to work, it is important to apply as soon as possible to get the benefits you need. Call Dayes Law Firm or contact us online for a free consultation. We are prepared to help you through the approval or appeals process every step of the way.
It costs nothing to meet with us and nothing upfront to retain our services. We only get paid if you do.
Give us a call toll-free at 1-800-503-2000.