How Much Are Social Security Disability Payments in Illinois?

If a disabling medical condition prevents you from working, applying for Social Security disability benefits can help you avoid financial hardship. Two federal programs, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, run by the Social Security Administration, provide monthly cash payments and other disability benefits to people throughout Illinois.

A common question National Disability Experts hear from claimants concerns the disability benefits amount, particularly in Illinois. This guide explains Social Security payments through the SSDI and SSI programs and also gives essential information about disability benefits eligibility.

Social Security Disability Income Through SSI And SSDI

The amount you receive in monthly disability payments depends on the program paying them. SSDI Illinois pays monthly benefits, but you must be insured to be eligible. “Insured” means you worked long enough at jobs subject to payment of Social Security taxes on your earnings.

Illinois SSI benefits are available without a work history, which makes it different from the SSDI program. You can qualify for SSI benefits if you meet the following criteria:

  • You must be disabled or blind. Someone at least 65 can qualify without being blind or disabled.
  • Your income must be minimal.
  • You cannot have resources valued at more than $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 for eligible couples.

Someone may have worked long enough to qualify for SSDI benefits, but they may have worked at low-paying jobs. SSDI benefits count as income when determining eligibility for SSI, but a low monthly SSDI benefit could allow someone to meet the income and resource limitations to qualify for SSI. This is called concurrent benefits.

Social Security Disability Income From SSDI

The monthly SSDI payments you receive depend on your total earnings from working at jobs subject to payment of Social Security taxes. The more money you earn, the higher the monthly benefit payments you’re entitled to receive through SSDI.

Annual earnings subject to payment of Social Security taxes limit how much workers can earn to determine the monthly SSDI benefits. The maximum monthly SSDI benefit payment in 2024 is $3,822. The Illinois SSDI average payment in 2024 is $1,537 per month. These payment amounts can change yearly, depending on cost of living adjustments.

Government benefits, such as state-funded disability benefits and workers’ compensation, may reduce your SSDI payments. Amounts you receive from a pension generally do not affect your monthly SSDI benefits. However, a pension payment from working at a job not subject to payment of Social Security taxes may affect your SSDI payments.

Social Security Disability Income From SSI

If you qualify for SSI, the maximum monthly benefit payment in 2024 is $943. The maximum payable for an individual with a spouse who also qualifies for SSI is $1,415. The monthly benefit amounts may increase annually because of cost-of-living adjustments.

You may receive less than $943 as an individual or $1,415 for couples if you have other income. For example, some of the income you receive from working at a part-time job may reduce your monthly SSI benefit. However, you may exclude the first $65 of earned income you receive during a month and one-half of the balance.

Only the balance of earned income reduces your SSI payment for the month, but you should let a disability professional from National Disability Experts help you. Other exclusions may be available to further reduce countable earned income.

Residents of most states, including Illinois, may be eligible for a monthly state supplemental payment. In Illinois, this payment is called “Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled” or simply “AABD Cash Assistance.” How much you receive as AABD benefits is determined by the Illinois Department of Human Services or DHS.

The DHS subtracts your monthly maintenance costs, which are your expenditures for food, rent, and utilities, from your federal monthly SSI payment and other income that you receive. The maintenance costs must be more than your monthly income and SSI. If they are, the DHS authorizes AABD Cash Assistance for food, shelter, clothing, and utilities.

Some states rely on the Social Security Administration to process supplemental payments, but Illinois does not. You must apply directly to the DHS by completing an application online or in person at a local office that is convenient to where you reside.

You May Be Eligible For Medical Benefits

If you qualify for SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare coverage 24 months after your monthly benefit payments begin. Medicaid coverage starts immediately without a waiting period for individuals eligible for SSI.

Illinois has its own rules for Medicaid eligibility, so you cannot qualify based on only your SSI application. You must submit a separate Medicaid application to the state for it to decide if it meets state guidelines.

Contact National Disability Experts To Learn More

National Disability Experts provides expert advice and representation when you are applying for SSDI or SSI benefits or need assistance appealing a denial of benefits. Contact National Disability Experts today for a free consultation and claim evaluation.

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