Idaho Disability Benefits: A Guide to Monthly Payments

Important: We updated this article in April 2024 to ensure all info below is accurate. It’s frustrating when you can’t work because of a health issue. Did you know you might be eligible for Idaho disability benefits through two Social Security Administration programs? They are:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Because they use the same eligibility criteria, you can apply to both programs at the same time. We compiled this guide to monthly payments to help Gem State residents get the support they deserve.

SSDI for Idaho Disability Benefits

The federal SSDI program is funded by deductions from workers’ paychecks. Let’s take a look at how to qualify for this program and how it works.

1. Who’s Eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance Payments?

Adults with disabilities must answer “yes” to all of these questions to apply for SSDI benefits:

• Does your doctor expect your health to keep you off the job for at least 12 months? If you can return to work in months or weeks because of a short-term disability, then you aren’t eligible.
• Have you seen a doctor for treatment within the last year? If not, you need a Disability Determination Services exam to confirm you’re disabled. Did you know an Idaho disability lawyer can cover doctor’s visits and medical records if you can’t pay for them?
• Are you between 18 and 67 and not receiving any Social Security benefits? The program stops paying at 67 since you start getting regular Social Security retirement.
• Have you worked at least 5 of the last 10 years in jobs where you paid Social Security taxes? Eligibility lapses once you stop working for 60 months. The work history requirement means children can only get dependent benefits through a disabled parent on SSDI.

Have some “no” answers? Don’t worry. The SSI program may be available to you.

2. How Much Does SSDI Pay?

Idaho disability benefits from SSDI equal 40% of your average monthly paycheck over 35 years of work. You could get more money each month if Congress authorizes a cost-of-living adjustment. On average, disabled employees receive $1,630 in monthly SSDI; the highest amount possible is $4,152.

3. How Long Does It Take to Get Your First SSDI Payment?

The waiting period is usually 5 months, so recipients could receive the first payment in about 6 months. However, the Social Security Administration only approves 1 in 5 initial claims. Working with an Idaho disability attorney can almost triple your chances of success within 6 months. These lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.

Filing without an attorney usually means it takes much longer to process your application for benefits. In those cases, expect to wait at least 24 months for a decision letter from the SSA.

If your claim is denied, then you have 60 days to appeal. That first step is called a “request for reconsideration.”

4. How Long Can I Receive SSDI?

You must pass a disability update report every 3-7 years until age 67. After that, SSDI payments convert to regular Social Security retirement. But don’t worry! Your monthly payment always stays the same amount.

5. What About Healthcare?

On the 24th month after your first SSDI check, you automatically get access to Medicare coverage.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Idaho Disability Benefits

SSI benefits help low-income Americans who are blind, disabled, or over 65 who meet eligibility requirements. Here’s what residents need to know before filing application forms for SSI.

1. What Are the Age Requirements for SSI Benefits?

Any person at least 65 years old may be eligible based on age and income status. Younger Idaho residents (including children) with disabilities need a DDS exam to determine eligibility. Did you know an Idaho disability lawyer can pay for doctor visits and medical records if you can’t?

2. What Are the Financial Eligibility Rules for SSI Disability?

Gem Staters who want SSI benefits must have:

• Monthly income from wages and/or other sources less than $2,830 if you are blind and $1,690 if you have another disability. The SSA also counts child support, alimony, earned interest, SNAP, TANF, etc., as “monthly income.”
• Total resources under $2,000 ($3,000 for couples), including money in the bank and items you could sell, such as stocks and bonds, lottery tickets, etc. Your daily vehicle or wedding ring, the home you own, and other daily living items don’t count toward your resources limit.

3. How Much Does SSI Pay in Idaho Disability Benefits?

If approved, you will receive as much as $994 for an individual or $1,491 for a couple. However, you could get more if Congress approves a COLA.

4. How Long Can I Get SSI Payments?

You must pass a disability update every 3-7 years. For those over 65, monthly benefits continue as long as they meet SSI program financial requirements. Those younger than 65 determined ineligible no longer receive benefits.

5. What About Healthcare?

SSI claim approval gives you access to Medicaid coverage during the same month your first check goes through.

3 Methods to File for Idaho Disability Benefits with the Social Security Administration

1. Online at the SSA website. Important: You cannot apply for SSI benefits online, only SSDI.
2. In person at your nearest Social Security Administration field office. Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours filling out forms when you visit.
3. For free with help from an Idaho SSD attorney. This option makes you far more likely to get your first check in 6 months or less.

How to Get Get Free Expert Help Filing for Idaho Disability Payments

Did you know engaging an Idaho disability lawyer ups your chances of success by almost 3x?

Qualified Social Security attorneys don’t charge unless you win.

If you do win, then you pay only one small fee.

Why wait? See if you qualify now! Click below to start your free online evaluation to check eligibility for expert Social Security disability claim help:

Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation

Social Security Office Locations in Idaho

Idaho SSA field offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, though time zones vary by location. You should call and make an appointment instead of showing up without one to apply for Idaho disability benefits:

Boise Social Security Office

1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 101
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: (855) 377-9316
Fax Number: (833) 912-2549
TTY Number: (800) 325-0778
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm MST

Caldwell Social Security Office

1118 S. Kimball Avenue
Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone: (877) 836-1560
Fax Number: (833) 950-2310
TTY Number: (800) 325-0778
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm MST

Coeur D’Alene Social Security Office

7400 N. Mineral Drive, Suite 100
Coeur D’Alene, ID 83815
Phone: (866) 931-2523
Fax Number: (833) 950-2308
TTY Number: (800) 325-0778
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm PST

Idaho Falls Social Security Office

2196 Channing Way
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Phone: (866) 253-0489
Fax Number: (833) 950-2306
TTY Number: (800) 325-0778
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm MST

Lewiston Social Security Office

1617 19th Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: (877) 405-9796
Fax Number: (833) 395-3398
TTY Number: (800) 325-0778
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm PST

Pocatello Social Security Office

861 Jefferson Avenue, Suite B
Pocatello, ID 83201
Phone: (866) 643-3407
Fax Number: (833) 912-2551
TTY Number: (800) 325-0778
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm MST

Twin Falls Social Security Office

1437 Fillmore Street
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: (866) 748-2087
Fax Number: (833) 950-2304
TTY Number: (800) 325-0778
Hours of Operation: 9am-4pm MST

Fact Checking: We contacted the Social Security Administration directly to confirm all SSA field office addresses shown here. We also personally called every phone number to confirm they were correct on January 7, 2026.

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