Many people wonder how much recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security retirement benefits receive monthly.
These programs provide crucial financial support to millions of Americans, but average payments vary significantly based on the type of benefit, age, and other factors. Here, we’ll break down the average monthly payments for SSI, SSDI, and Social Security retirement, using the latest data from October 2024.
Average SSI Payments by Age
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to provide monthly income to low-income individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older. It primarily supports those with limited resources and minimal earnings capacity.
The average SSI payments are notably influenced by the recipient’s age:
- Aged 65 and Older: SSI recipients in this age bracket receive the lowest average payment, approximately $576 per month. Many older SSI beneficiaries also receive Social Security retirement benefits, which often reduce their SSI amount.
- Aged 18-64: For adults under age 65, the average SSI payment is around $745 per month. This group includes many disabled individuals who rely on SSI as their primary source of income.
- Under 18: SSI payments for children average about $803 monthly, making them the highest among SSI groups, reflecting the program’s support for low-income families with disabled children.
Overall, the average monthly SSI benefit is approximately $697, a slight decrease from earlier in the year.
Comparing SSI to SSDI and Retirement Benefits
SSI payments are generally lower than SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits. Here’s how the average monthly payments compare across these programs:
| Program | Average Monthly Payment (Oct 2024) |
|---|---|
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | $697 |
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | $1,542 |
| Social Security Retirement Benefits | $1,924 |
SSDI: Higher Average Payments than SSI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to individuals with disabilities who have sufficient work history covered by Social Security.
On average, SSDI beneficiaries receive $1,542 per month, which is more than double the average SSI payment. SSDI benefits tend to be higher because payments are calculated based on the recipient’s earnings history.
Social Security Retirement: The Highest Average Payments
Social Security retirement benefits are generally the largest of the three, averaging $1,924 per month. Retirees’ payments are based on their lifetime earnings and the age at which they begin claiming benefits.
Those who delay claiming until full retirement age (or later) receive larger monthly payments, as opposed to those who claim benefits as early as age 62.
Average Social Security Payments for Survivors
In addition to SSI, SSDI, and retirement benefits, Social Security provides support to survivors of deceased workers. The average monthly payments vary depending on the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased and their specific needs:
| Survivor Category | Average Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Survivor Benefits (General) | $1,509 |
| Widowed Mothers and Fathers | $1,288 |
| Children of Deceased Workers | $1,104 |
| Disabled Widow(er)s | $928 |
| Parents of Deceased Workers | $1,627 |
Survivor Benefits: Tailored to Family Needs
Survivor benefits support family members after a worker’s death. The amount each survivor receives depends on their relationship to the deceased and their specific financial situation.
For example, parents of deceased workers receive an average of $1,627 per month, while disabled widow(er)s receive approximately $928. These survivor benefits help bridge financial gaps for families who have lost a primary income earner.
Why Payments Vary Across Programs
Benefit amounts vary across Social Security programs due to several key factors:
- Income and Resource Limits: SSI payments are lower because the program serves low-income individuals, and benefits are capped for those with other sources of income.
- Work History and Earnings: SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits are tied to recipients’ past earnings and contributions to Social Security, often resulting in higher payments.
- Age and Claiming Decisions: The age at which recipients begin claiming Social Security impacts retirement benefits, with early claimants receiving less than those who wait until full retirement age.
Social Security, SSDI, and SSI each play a unique role in supporting Americans based on their financial needs and work history, and these programs remain a vital source of financial stability.
