9 Interesting Facts About Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability is a little-known part of the Government's benefits programs for people who cannot work due to a disability. Learn about how the system helps millions of people.

1.3% of the US Budget Goes to Social Security Disability Benefits

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In 2012, the total spending budget for the US goverment was $3.6 trillion. Of that, just $48.77 billion went to payments for Social Security Disability.

Congress still wants to cut benefits and pushes the Social Security Administration to increase denial rates.

2.9% of the US Population Gets Benefits

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In 2012, 8.9 million people received benefits in the United States, 2.9% of the 2012 US population.

In Some States, Over 4% of the Population Receives Benefits

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4.4% of Kentucky's population received Social Security Disability benefits.

Utah has the lowest percentage: 1.07%.

The Average Monthly Benefit Ranges by Over $139 a Month

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California's average monthly benefit is the highest at $590.30, while North Dakota ranks last at $451.22.

Indiana, our home state, ranks towards the top at 13, with an average benefit of $509.99.

A Full Year of Benefits is Only 3/4 of the Single-Person Poverty Line

12 Months of 2012-level Average California Disability Benefits payments: $7,083.60

2012 Poverty Threshold for Single-Person family with no children: $11,945.00

2012 Poverty Threshold for Single Parent with 2 children: $18,498.00

On Average, Men Get A 6.37% Higher Monthly Benefit Than Women

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There are a lot of factors that go into the benefit equation, but either way in 2012, males received $516.95 per month on average, while women received $486.01.

Over 55% of Recipients Have No Other Income

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The vast majority of recipients only get income from sources that aren't regular work. Only 261,141 of the over 8.2 million get any kind of earned income.

1.31 Million Children Receive Benefits

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There are about 9 children receiving benefits for every 500 children in the US.

Over 12.5% Of Child Recipients are Living Without Their Parents

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In 2012, 165,778 of the recipients under 18 were reported as living in their own household, away from their parents.

Do You Need Help?

If you need to apply for Social Security Disability, it can always help to speak to a qualified lawyer. They can help you navigate the complex world of disability benefits.

"…In 2000, 63.6 percent of claimants represented by an attorney, but only 40.1 percent of those without one, were awarded benefits at the hearing level." -- Honorable Robert T. Matsui, Congressman from California