Ever wonder how they come up with your package? The amount of your SSDI payment is based on worker’s lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. It is adjusted each year because of changes in cost-of-living. Reduction of amount is based from Workers’ Compensation payments (including Black Lung payments) and/or public disability benefits, for example certain state, and civil service disability benefits. Other income or resources do not affect payment amount.

On other hand, SSI payment amount is based on amount of countable income that you receive, your living arrangement, and State where you reside. The basic monthly payment is called “Federal Benefit Rate” (FBR). During year 2004, FBRs are $564 per month for an eligible individual, and $846 per month for an eligible couple. These are adjusted each year depending on changes in cost-of-living rates. “State Supplement” are also additional amounts paid to some by their state. The amounts and qualifications for this vary on each state.

SSI payment amount is figured by adding up your FBR and State Supplement, if any, and then subtract your countable income.

Start enjoying your benefits and remember, folks, spend wisely!

Cooperate fully with Disability Examiner working on your case. This, you can show by promptly responding to letters and notices and going to medical exams that DDS have scheduled for you. By being more cooperative with DDS, you could gain a chance for your case to be qualified with examiner pleading your case.

Ensure a good relationship with other people working on your case, especially authorities at Social Security and others you have enlisted or hired to assist you. Simply by establishing a friendly and courteous relationship with them, would entail them to do more for you.

Always keep tabs on your claim status, either personally or through your counsel. It is never good to let important deadlines lapse on your disability claim. Act out immediately what is to be done if your claim is denied or have been pending for too long. Simply by knowing that you are aware of every step and every proceeding would give you an edge. Strategize on how to properly plead either a request for reconsideration or a appeal for a hearing.

As long as you are patient enough and is willing to invest time and effort, on no time soon, you will be able to prove that your SSI case stands a good chance and that you are an entitled and worthy beneficiary! Good luck!