Those unable to earn income due to a medical condition may be entitled to a monthly benefit payment. As long you qualify, you can be paid from the government program known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The monthly payment depends on several factors. Read on to find out what you can expect from SSDI benefits.

Past Income Determines Your Benefit Amount

Your SSDI benefit is determined by how much money you have earned in a certain period of time. Obviously, the more money you've made, the more your benefit check each month will be. Unfortunately, no matter how much you have earned, the amount you get won't be anywhere near a replacement for your previous salary. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a complicated formula to figure out exactly how much your monthly benefit will be, if you are approved. Fortunately, you don't have to do the complex math yourself, since the SSA is prepared to provide you with that number anytime you need it. In fact, those that have access to the internet and that register for an online account with the SSA can view an estimate of their disability wages (and their retirement wages). It should be noted that the most accurate numbers are available to those that have filed their most recent tax return, since the information you submit to the IRS is used to formulate your benefit amount.

Having Enough Work Credits

Knowing what to expect in terms of benefits is important, but there is a bit more to the determination than that. The SSA uses a unit of measure for your past wages known as a work credit. Every time you earn $1,360 in wages, you earn one work credit. You can earn up to four credits per year. Older workers need more accumulated work credits to be approved for benefits. For example, if you are age 50 or older, you need at least 28 work credits to qualify for benefits. On the other hand, older workers are more often approved for benefits due to an assumption of being more unhealthy than younger workers. For younger workers, there are special rules that amend the work credits required, if they have not been on the job long enough.

Regardless of having enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, disabled workers must also be medically qualified for benefits. That issue is what leads to so many being denied. If you applied and were denied your benefits due to a medical issue, speak to a Social Security lawyer about representation at the appeal hearing.