Idaho Disability Benefits: A Guide to Monthly Payments

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 programs that pay monthly benefits through the Social Security Administration? 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 residents of the Gem State get the support they deserve.

SSDI for Idaho Disability Applicants

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 SSDI?

You 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, then you aren’t eligible.
• Have you seen a doctor in the past 90 days about your disability? If not, you need a Disability Determination Services exam to confirm your condition. 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 65 and not receiving Social Security benefits? The program stops paying at full retirement age since you start getting regular Social Security benefits.
• Have you worked full-time for at least 5 of the last 10 years in jobs that withheld Social Security taxes? Eligibility lapses if you stop working for 60 months because you weren’t paying FICA taxes.

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

2. How Much Does SSDI Pay?

Idaho disability payments equal 40% of your average monthly paycheck over 35 years of work. You could get higher payments if a cost-of-living adjustment is authorized by Congress. On average, disabled employees receive $1,358 in monthly SSDI for 2022; the highest benefit is $3,345 a month. To earn above $3,000 a month, you must have made $139,000 annually for 10 years before becoming disabled.

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, almost half of applicants are denied because of paperwork errors. Working with an Idaho disability attorney can increase your chances of success by almost 3 times. These lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless you get benefits. 

If your claim is denied, then you have 60 days to appeal. The first appeal, called a reconsideration, can take up to 3.5 months. If that’s rejected, you can ask for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. This can take up to a year, however, and just 11% of appeals are successful. Even if you do win, you might have to wait almost 2 years for the first payment. That’s why it’s important to get your application approved the first time.

4. How Long Can I Receive SSDI Payments?

You must pass updates every 3-7 years until age 65. After that, your SSDI benefits convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits. But don’t worry! Your monthly payment always stays the same amount.

Related: Kansas Disability Benefits: What Claimants Must Know

SSI for Idaho Disability Applicants

SSI disability 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 an application for SSI.

1. What Are the Age Requirements for SSI Disability?

Idaho disability applicants 65 and over are eligible. Younger Idahoers need a DDS exam to establish 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 $2,260 if you are blind and $1,350 if you have another disability. Couples must have less than $2,607 in combined monthly income. The SSA counts child support, alimony, earned interest, SNAP, TANF, etc., as “monthly income.”
• Total assets 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 this limit.

3. How Much Does SSI Pay?

If your claim is approved, you will receive as much as $841 for an individual or $1,261 for a couple. However, you could get more if Congress approves a COLA.

4. How Long Can I Get SSI Payments?

Idaho disability recipients must pass a disability update every 3-7 years. For Idahoans over 65, benefits continue as long as they meet the financial requirements. Those under 65 determined ineligible no longer receive benefits.

Idaho Disability Applicants May Qualify for Legal Assistance

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

Qualified Social Security attorneys don’t charge unless you win. If you do prevail, then you pay only a small one-time fee.

Why wait? See if you qualify now! Click below to start your free online benefits evaluation.

Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation