BIG Changes for 2024: $185 Monthly Social Security and SSDI Payments Explained

Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provide vital financial support to millions of Americans.

Understanding Social Security and SSDI Payments

While the average Social Security retirement benefit in 2024 is around $1,800 and SSDI averages $1,500, some recipients receive as little as $185 per month. This disparity stems from factors like eligibility requirements, work history, and concurrent benefits.

Social Security supports retirees, while SSDI helps those unable to work due to disability and who have paid into the system. Payments are calculated based on lifetime earnings and work credits, requiring at least 40 credits (approximately 10 years of work) for Social Security and sufficient credits plus a qualifying disability for SSDI.

Reasons Behind Low $185 Payments

If you’re receiving $185 per month, it could be due to several reasons:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is needs-based, offering limited payments to individuals with low income and resources. Maximum SSI in 2024 is $914, but benefits are reduced if you have additional income.
• Partial Eligibility: Low lifetime earnings or insufficient work history may result in reduced Social Security or SSDI benefits.
• Concurrent Benefits: Receiving both Social Security and SSDI may lead to offsets, lowering the total payment amount.

Payment Adjustments and Schedules

In 2024, Social Security and SSDI payments include a 3.2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to address inflation. For example, a $1,000 benefit in 2023 increases by about $32 monthly in 2024. Payments are issued based on birth dates:

• Social Security:
  • 2nd Wednesday: Birthdays between 1st-10th
  • 3rd Wednesday: Birthdays between 11th-20th
  • 4th Wednesday: Birthdays between 21st-31st
• SSDI: Follows the same schedule as Social Security.

Maximizing Your Benefits

To better manage and understand your benefits:

1. My Social Security Account: Create or log in to track payments and access tools.
2. Benefit Calculators: Use SSA tools to estimate future benefits.
3. Contact SSA: For questions, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit the official website.

For SSDI recipients, the 2024 Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,470 per month. Exceeding this may result in benefit loss, though a Trial Work Period (TWP) allows earning above the SGA for nine months while retaining benefits.

Clearing Misconceptions

• Myth: SSDI is welfare.
  Truth: SSDI is an insurance program based on work history and taxes paid.
• Myth: Social Security is only for retirees.
  Truth: It also supports disabled workers and their families.

Social Security and SSDI offer essential support, but understanding eligibility, payment calculations, and options to maximize benefits ensures you receive what you deserve. Stay informed to make the most of these programs.