December 2016 SSD Benefits Statistics

December 2016 SSD Benefits Statistics Snapshot

Every month, the SSA (Social Security Administration) releases a statistical snapshot that highlights key metrics in the disability benefits program. These numbers offer both current and future beneficiaries an idea of where disability benefits fall each month and how theirs might compare to the national average. See how December 2016 SSD benefits statistics compare against last month’s program numbers below.



Overview of December 2016 SSD Benefits Statistics

Total Number of Social Security Disability Benefit Beneficiaries: 10,610,000

Disabled Workers: 8,809,000
Spouses of Disabled Workers: 135,000
Children of Disabled Workers: 1,667,000

Average Monthly Social Security Disability Benefit Amount: $1,032.25

Disabled Workers: $1,171.15
Spouses of Disabled Workers: $323.98
Children of Disabled Workers: $355.35

December 2016 SSD Benefits Statistics: Looking Deeper at the Beneficiaries Stats

Between November and December, the program reported a decrease of 13,000 disability beneficiaries. This fluctuation in December 2016 SSD benefits statistics numbers is typical within the program, though, and nothing for potential applicants to worry about. A near-identical drop of 12,000 beneficiaries also occurred from October to November. What’s more interesting is the steady 12-month decline in beneficiaries every single month since January. And remember, this reduction in beneficiaries includes those who passed away, fraudulent claims, and individuals who reentered the workforce in the last 30 days.

December 2016 SSD Benefits Statistics - Monthly Beneficiaries

December 2016 SSD Benefits Statistics: Looking Deeper at the Monetary Stats

According to the December 2016 SSD benefits statistics report, beneficiaries enjoyed an increase of $3.05 in the monetary average this month. This is the largest jump in monthly monetary average benefits we’ve seen since 2015. And while it may not seem like a significant increase, any additional income can be crucial for beneficiaries during the holiday season. See our chart below for tracking SSD monthly monetary averages paid to disabled workers, spouses of disabled workers and children of disabled workers over the past 12 months.

December 2016 SSD Benefits Statistics - Monthly Monetary Average

If you’re confused by all the paperwork involved with SSD claims, get an advocate or attorney to help you file. Advocates and attorneys understand exactly how the program works and are dedicated to helping qualified individuals secure much-needed benefits. In addition, legal representatives can help collect medical documentation, communicate with the SSA on your behalf, and appeal an unfavorable decision.

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.