December 2017 SSD benefits statistics snapshot

December 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics Snapshot

The December 2017 Social Security disability benefits statistics report from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is now available. This monthly report shows how claims data changed over the last 30 days. This report helps current beneficiaries compare their own checks to the national average. It also gives new applicants an idea of what to expect if and when the SSA approves their disability claims. Check out our December 2017 SSD benefits statistics report analysis below to learn about any trends that recently emerged.



December 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics Update

Total Number of Social Security Disability Beneficiaries: 10,411,000

Disabled Workers: 8,695,000
Spouses of Disabled Workers: 126,000
Children of Disabled Workers: 1,590,000

Average Monthly Social Security Disability Benefit Amount: $1,059.63

Disabled Workers: $1,196.87
Spouses of Disabled Workers: $335.42
Children of Disabled Workers: $366.40

How the December 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics Report Affects Beneficiaries

The December 2017 SSD benefits statistics report shows 16,000 fewer total beneficiaries than we saw in November’s update. Interestingly, disabled worker beneficiaries fell that exact same number, making up the bulk of this month’s enrollment changes. The rise in children receiving benefits completely offset the losses in spousal beneficiaries, affecting 1,000 claimants each. This large drop in claimants receiving benefits includes those who passed away or started working again since last month’s report. In addition, the SSA routinely audits payment status claims for fraud and strikes those beneficiaries from the next month’s rolls.

December 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics - Monthly Beneficiaries

December 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics: Looking Closer at Monetary Averages

The December 2017 SSD benefits statistics report shows the first pay bump from the recently announced 2% COLA increase. Disabled workers saw the biggest raise in the December 2017 SSD benefits statistics report, with $23.72 added to their payments. However, this report also shows the December 2017 SSD benefits check was $20.90 higher than November’s, on average. Spouses of disabled workers saw the smallest increase this month ($6.75), while children had another $7.87 added to their checks. And during the holidays, even a little bit extra can make a difference when you’re trying to make ends meet.

December 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics - Monthly Monetary Average

Filing a Social Security disability claim isn’t easy. However, just talking to someone who understands how the process works before you file can help tremendously. For some applicants filing on their own, the paperwork alone can six months to complete. But you don’t have to go through this process alone. If you’re worried about paying for a lawyer, our advocates will answer your disability claim questions privately, free of charge.

One free consultation can help you avoid basic errors that could automatically disqualify you, even if you’re rightfully owed benefits. Most qualified applicants only win benefits on appeal. Once you get to an ALJ hearing, nearly all claimants have a Social Security lawyer handling their case.

Still not sure whether you’ll need an advocate for your claim? Our lawyers won’t charge you anything to file your claim or handle your appeal unless you win. It’s the fastest and easiest way to ensure you get the most disability benefits you’re rightfully owed from the SSA.

Click the button below to start your free, no-obligation disability 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.