The next few days can be a moment of hope and financial help for tens of thousands of SSDI recipients all over the country. If you receive SSDI benefits, you could be one of the recipients who will be getting their payments soon, with some of them getting up to $1,539. It is important to know when exactly these payments will be made so that you can be ready for them.
Why SSDI Payments Are So Important
For millions of Americans, SSDI payments are not just a monthly check, they are a source of support. These benefits are particularly for people with disabilities who cannot work due to their disability. Having a disability is not easy and comes with its own share of challenges, both psychological and financial, and the assistance that SSDI provides can go towards meeting some of the fundamental needs like shelter, food and healthcare costs.
However, the system of payment distribution is not always that clear-cut. The amount you receive may depend on your birth date, the date you applied for benefits, and how long you have been getting them. Many SSDI beneficiaries find it challenging to manage their payment schedule. This month, however, there is some positive news for many people on the waiting list.
Who Will Receive the $1,539 Payment?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) disburses SSDI payments according to the beneficiary’s date of birth. Usually, those born in the 1st-10th of the month get their payments on the second Wednesday of the month. Those born from the 11th to the 20th are paid on the third Wednesday while those whose birth falls from the 21st to 31st are paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
For beneficiaries who are in the third group, having their birthdays between the 21st and the 31st, the next payment is due in a few days, on Wednesday, September 25. If you are in this category, your payment is arriving soon and for most people, the amount will be around $1,539. This figure shows the average payment for SSDI beneficiaries but the payment can be different depending on your earnings history and the amount you contributed to social security.
How Payment Amounts Are Calculated
A frequently asked question by SSDI recipients is “How is my payment calculated? Your benefit is the sum of all the wages you made before you became disabled and divided by the number of years you have worked. In simple words, the SSA determines your AIME, which takes into account your inflation-adjusted earnings in the 35 highest-paying years of your career. From this, they calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the base for your monthly SSDI benefit.
However, the $1,539 is an average. Some people might be eligible for more or fewer benefits based on their employment history and other factors. The amount you receive depends on your earnings and the amount of Social Security taxes you paid over the years. On the other hand, people with shorter or lower-paid working careers may be entitled to lesser benefits. Nevertheless, every cent counts when you cannot work because of a disability, and SSDI continues to be an essential source of income for many families.
What If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?
The feeling when you wait for a payment and it doesn’t come is never a good one. If you are supposed to receive your payment on the 25th and you do not see it in your bank account on that day, there is no need to worry. There are a few things you can do:
- Wait a Day or Two: Sometimes, payment processing can take a little longer, especially if there are holidays or other factors that might delay the process.
- Check Your Account Information: If you are receiving payments through direct deposit, ensure that the Social Security Administration has the right banking details. Any differences could cost you more time to get your payment.
- Contact the SSA: If you have not received the payment a few days past the due date, you should contact the SSA to know if there is a problem with your benefits. They can assist you in coming up with a solution so that you can be paid as soon as possible.
SSDI payments can be a source of comfort for beneficiaries who are struggling financially. If your payment is due on September 25, you should prepare yourself. Knowing the SSDI payment schedule and how your payments are determined will help you maximize this essential source of income.