What if I Am Not Receiving Enough in Social Security Disability?

When you can’t work because of a disability, you have to rely on Social Security disability benefits. Unfortunately, these monthly benefits may not be enough to cover your basic needs. Many people with disabilities struggle to provide for their families. But you might be able to increase your monthly payments and get additional benefits.

State and federal government agencies administer disability benefits. Your eligibility depends on where you live. For more information about your disability payment options, talk to a Social Security disability lawyer.

How Much Can You Get in Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for disabled workers who qualify based on their work history. To qualify for disability benefits, you have to pay into the system through Social Security taxes. You need enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. You also must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

If you’re permanently disabled, your disability benefits continue until you reach full retirement age. When you reach retirement age, your benefits automatically switch to retirement benefits. Your monthly benefit amount doesn’t change.

Your Social Security amount depends on your income. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your monthly benefit amount based on your average indexed monthly earnings. However, there’s a maximum SSDI benefit amount, regardless of your income or number of credits.

In 2026, the maximum SSDI benefit is $4,152. But many Americans have a much lower benefit because of an impairment at a younger age. According to the SSA, the average SSDI benefit in 2024 was about $1,537.

To find out how much you can get in SSDI benefits, log in to your Social Security account.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a low-income benefit that can help supplement your SSDI payments. You don’t need your work record to qualify for SSI. To qualify for SSI benefits, you have to meet the limited income and asset amounts.

SSI payments go to individuals whose countable income falls below the monthly federal benefit rate ($994 in 2026). Couples have a higher limit. Some types of income aren’t counted towards the income limit. Visit your local Social Security office to see if you qualify for SSI.

The maximum SSI benefit in 2026 is $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples.

Does Social Security Disability Cover Healthcare?

If you’re getting Social Security disability, you may qualify for Medicare benefits. Most people receiving SSDI become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of entitlement to disability benefits, but people with ALS are eligible without that waiting period. During the waiting period, you may still be eligible for health insurance under your former employer’s plan.

Some people with Social Security disability can also get state Medicaid coverage. State Medicaid insurance programs depend on income and assets. Check with your state benefits agency to see if you qualify for Medicaid coverage.

Will Social Security Disability Benefits Increase?

Social Security disability benefits may increase over time. This is based on the Consumer Price Index. The cost of living adjustment (COLA) can increase your monthly benefits. For example, from 2023 to 2024, the COLA increased monthly benefits by 3.2% and 2.5% from 2024 to 2025.

Can You Get Someone Else’s Disability Benefits?

Your disability benefits are for your own work record. However, if your spouse is eligible for Social Security, you may be able to get higher benefits based on their work record. Spousal benefits for Social Security are generally half of their spouse’s benefits. You can take the greater of your benefits or your spousal benefits.

You can get survivor benefits after your spouse dies. If your survivor benefits are more than your own Social Security benefits, you can take the higher of the two. Qualifying divorced spouses can also get survivor benefits if they meet certain conditions.

Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Increase My Benefits?

Many people applying for Social Security benefits have their applications denied. A Social Security disability lawyer can appeal your case so you can get your benefits. Your lawyer can review your case and gather medical evidence to support your disability claim. Contact a Social Security disability lawyer about your claim and how to increase your benefits.