Every month, the SSA (Social Security Administration) reports on the statistical data changes that occurred within the past 30 days revealing how key metrics within the disability benefits program were affected. These snapshot reports offer current as well as future beneficiaries an idea of where disability benefits fall and how theirs might compare with the national average. Below is our summary of February 2017 SSD benefits statistics during the last 30 days.
Overview of February 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics
Total Number of Social Security Disability Benefit Beneficiaries: 10,590,000
Disabled Workers: 8,788,000
Spouses of Disabled Workers: 133,000
Children of Disabled Workers: 1,669,000
Average Monthly Social Security Disability Benefit Amount: $1,032.25
Disabled Workers: $1,171.27
Spouses of Disabled Workers: $324.04
Children of Disabled Workers: $356.60
February 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics: Looking Deeper at the Beneficiaries Stats
There appear to be 8,000 fewer disability beneficiaries overall this month compared with January’s numbers. Minor statistical fluctuations are normal within the program on a month-to-month basis, and several numbers moved only very slightly up or down this time – they weren’t uniformly moving in any one direction, which might otherwise signal a trend. Keep in mind that this reduction in beneficiaries includes recipients who passed away, fraudulent claims, and individuals who reentered the workforce during the past month.
February 2017 SSD Benefits Statistics: Looking Deeper at the Monetary Stats
On closer examination of the February 2017 SSD benefits statistics report, the monetary average saw a very slight decrease of $.14 this month. This brings the numbers right back to what we saw during December 2016. It’s the first decrease in average pay going back exactly one year. The chart below outlines monthly SSD monetary averages paid to disabled workers, spouses of disabled workers and children of disabled workers during the previous year.
How to Get Legal Help
Before you file your own application, consult with an experienced disability advocate or attorney about your options. Attorneys make you 3x more likely to get monthly SSDI benefits on your first try. Of course, advocates and attorneys can also help you collect medical evidence that supports your disability claim, request status updates from the SSA on your behalf, and file your appeal if your initial claim results in denial.
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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.