The Social Security Administration (SSA)’s monthly disability statistics report lists any changes in the program’s claim numbers that occurred within the previous 30 days. Applicants and beneficiaries can use these reports to get an idea of how their benefits might compare against the national average. By tracking these reports, we’re able to spot any statistical trends that emerged over the last calendar year. Our update highlights the biggest changes from the August 2017 SSD benefits statistics report below.
August 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics Update
Total Number of Social Security Disability Beneficiaries: 10,457,000
Disabled Workers: 8,742,000
Spouses of Disabled Workers: 129,000
Children of Disabled Workers: 1,586,000
Average Monthly Social Security Disability Benefit Amount: $1,037.68
Disabled Workers: $1,171.84
Spouses of Disabled Workers: $326.76
Children of Disabled Workers: $356.16
How the August 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics Report Affects Beneficiaries
We found few notable changes in the August 2017 SSD benefits statistics report compared to the radical shifts we saw in July. Total claimants fell by 9,000, with disabled workers making up 2/3 of that amount. In addition, the report listed 2,000 fewer children and 1,000 spouses removed compared to last month’s rolls. This reduction in overall claims also includes deceased beneficiaries, fraudulent claims struck from the list and those who started back to work since we published last month’s update. Comparing the August 2017 SSD benefits statistics report with previous years, we see 343,000 fewer individuals receiving monthly benefits since August 2015.
Looking Deeper at the Monetary Stats
The biggest winners in the August 2017 SSD benefits statistics report are children, who received a $.42 raise. Spouses lost two cents this month, while disabled workers themselves got a six-cent increase. In August 2015, most SSD checks totaled $1,022; this month’s monetary average is $15.74 more than it was two years ago. It’s also $9.42 more on average than beneficiaries received one year ago this month. We’ve listed average SSD payments for the previous 12 months in the chart below.
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
Wish you could sit down with someone who understands what you’re going through before you file your claim? We can connect you with an experienced Social Security disability advocate who’s happy to answer your questions for free. Talking to someone before you file is the best way to avoid making any accidental paperwork mistakes that could automatically disqualify you, even if you’re rightfully owed benefits. Claimants who apply on their own get denied significantly more often than those who get professional help filing their applications, and since this consulting service is free, you have absolutely nothing to lose.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now:
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Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.