If I Get Approved For Disability And Later Get Another condition, Can My Benefits Be Increased And Go Up?Social Security Disability payment amounts are not based upon the severity of a disability beneficiary's medical or mental condition, the number of conditions they have, or any additional disabling conditions they might have, or later develop. Title 2 (otherwise known as approved for Social Security Disability benefits, their monthly benefit amount is based upon their earnings prior to becoming disabled. If they were young, or had low earnings over the years, or had not worked much prior to becoming disabled, their Social Security Disability monthly payment amount is likely to be small with little or no additional money available to pay benefits (dependent benefits) to their children or spouses. However, if they have had a steady history of work with average or above average earnings prior to becoming disabled, they have a better chance of receiving higher monthly disability payment amounts with additional money available to pay dependents. If the disability beneficiary is A) receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability benefits, or B) receiving concurrent SSI and Social Security Disability benefits (those with very low Social Security Disability benefit amounts can also receive an additional amount of SSI disability benefits, basically to make up for how low their SSD check is), then their total monthly benefit cannot be any higher than whatever the current monthly maximum is for SSI disability. The maximum monthly SSI amount is determined and set by Congress. The SSI monthly benefit amount cannot increase unless Congress sets a new monthly benefit payment amount. To address the title of this page and the question with which we begain, there are no increases to Social Security Disability or SSI disability monthly benefits on the basis of an additional disabling condition. In rare cases, an individual who receives Social Security Disability benefits can receive an increase in their disability monthly benefits if they have performed some work activity since while receiving disability benefits. However, generally, this only occurs if an individual had very few years of earnings, or very low earnings prior to becoming disabled. Remember all work activity should be reported to Social Security to prevent problems such as overpayments or disability benefit suspensions and terminations. The only other way Social Security Disability or SSI disability monthly benefit amounts can be increased is through cost of living adjustments. Cost of living increases are given to adjust for the rate of inflation and are at the discretion of the Federal government. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? These pages answer some of the most basic questions for individuals who are considering filing a claim. Disability Lawyer North Carolina Getting a Disability Lawyer in Arkansas If you apply for disability in Arkansas |
