Latest Update on Social Security Disability Benefits: States Issuing the Largest Checks

Social Security is often recognized for its retirement benefits, but it also offers critical assistance through programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for individuals with disabilities.

These programs provide financial support to those who are unable to work due to severe disabilities, and the amount you receive can vary depending on several factors, including your location.

As we move into 2024, several updates to these benefit checks could affect recipients across the country. In this article, we will explore the states offering the largest Social Security disability benefit checks, how much beneficiaries can expect to receive, and what factors impact these amounts.

Overview of SSI and SSDI Benefits

Both SSI and SSDI are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but they cater to different groups:

• SSI: This program assists those who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income. It’s designed to help with basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. In 2024, the maximum federal SSI payment for an individual will increase to $943 per month, with couples receiving up to $1,415.
• SSDI: This program provides benefits to disabled workers who have paid into Social Security through their employment. The amount you receive depends on your previous earnings. For 2024, the average SSDI payment is $1,537 per month, with a maximum payment of $3,822.

Both programs saw increases for 2024, thanks to a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) aimed at helping recipients keep up with inflation.

States with the Largest Social Security Disability Checks

While SSDI benefits are primarily based on your work history, where you live can significantly impact how far those benefits will go. The cost of living varies greatly across states, and some states offer additional supplementary payments for SSI recipients.

Here are the top 10 states where disability benefit checks go the furthest, based on the percentage of living expenses they cover:

State	Percentage of Living Expenses Covered by SSDI
Wyoming	52%
South Dakota	32.7%
North Dakota	31.6%
Tennessee	31.4%
West Virginia	31.4%
Kentucky	31.4%
Arkansas	31.2%
Ohio	31.1%
Mississippi	31.0%
Oklahoma	30.8%

Wyoming Leads the Pack

Wyoming tops the list, where SSDI payments cover about 52% of the cost of living. This state, with its lower housing costs and overall living expenses, allows beneficiaries to stretch their payments further than in most other states.

States Where Disability Benefits Don’t Go As Far

In contrast, there are states where high living costs significantly reduce the impact of SSDI and SSI payments. Here are the five states where disability checks cover the lowest percentage of living expenses:

State	Percentage of Living Expenses Covered by SSDI
District of Columbia	30%
New York	21.1%
Hawaii	22.1%
Massachusetts	22.2%
California	22.2%

These states have much higher living costs, especially in housing, which makes it more difficult for SSDI and SSI recipients to make ends meet.

Factors Impacting Disability Benefit Amounts

1. Work History and Earnings for SSDI

The amount an SSDI recipient gets is largely determined by their earnings before becoming disabled. The more you earned and contributed to Social Security, the higher your benefit check will be. In 2024, the average SSDI payment is $1,537, but the maximum amount someone can receive is $3,822.

2. State Supplements for SSI

While SSI benefits are set federally, many states offer supplementary payments to assist with additional costs. These state supplements can vary significantly. For example, California adds a substantial supplement to the federal SSI payment, while states like North Dakota offer little to no additional support.

3. Cost of Living

The value of your disability benefits is also dependent on the cost of living in your state. For instance, living in New York or Hawaii means your benefits will cover far less than if you lived in Wyoming or South Dakota.

4. COLA Adjustments

Each year, the Social Security Administration adjusts benefits based on inflation through the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). In 2024, the COLA increase of 3.2% is expected to provide a boost for recipients, but whether this is enough to cover rising living costs depends largely on where you live.

2024 SSI and SSDI Payment Amounts

Type of Payment	Average Monthly Amount	Maximum Monthly Amount
SSI (Individual)	$943	$943
SSI (Couple)	$1,415	$1,415
SSDI (Average)	$1,537	$3,822
SSDI (Blind Individuals)	N/A	$2,590

Conclusion

Navigating Social Security disability benefits can be challenging, especially when factoring in variations in payments across states. While federal programs like SSI and SSDI provide crucial support, the effectiveness of these benefits depends heavily on your state’s cost of living and whether they offer supplementary payments.

Beneficiaries in states like Wyoming and South Dakota can expect their benefits to go much further than those living in high-cost areas like California or New York.

In 2024, the 3.2% COLA increase will provide some relief, but it’s essential for recipients to remain informed about state-specific factors that could impact their financial situation.

FAQs

References

• 2024 Payments for Social Security and SSI Disability Benefits​(Atticus)
• Social Security Disability Benefits Update​(La Grada Online)​(AARP)