Important: We updated this article in December 2022 with the most current statistical and policy data available. Millions of disabled Americans rely on the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) programs to make ends meet. Ever wondered which U.S. state has the most disability beneficiaries? What about the fewest? Keep reading to learn more interesting facts about disability beneficiaries. For a quick look at each state’s numbers, check out our U.S. map below to see:
- How many disabled workers currently get SSDI benefits
- The state’s average SSDI amount
- How many SSI disability beneficiaries live in each state
- That state’s average SSI amount
Interactive Map of Disability Beneficiaries by State
Surprising Facts About Disability Beneficiaries
How Old Are Most Disability Beneficiaries?
According to the SSA, the average age for disability beneficiaries currently getting SSDI is 55 years old. Almost 56% of SSI beneficiaries in October 2022 were aged 18-64; about 31% were aged 65+, and a little more than 13% were disabled children.
What Percentage of Americans Are Actually Disabled?
The CDC shows about 61 million Americans (a little more than 1 in 4) live with some form of disability. Of those, about 7.7 million disabled workers received monthly SSDI payments in October 2022. Another 4.2 million working-age disabled Americans are monthly SSI beneficiaries. Add those together, and a little less than 1 in 5 disabled Americans is unable to work and currently receiving government benefits.
Disability Beneficiaries By Gender
In the last 12 months, 54% of SSDI awards went to men; 46% went to women. The average SSDI benefit for newly approved men was $1,706.88/month. However, women with newly approved claims received $1,374.31/month in SSDI benefits, on average.
You May Qualify For Legal Assistance
If you’re considering applying for either SSDI or SSI, consult an experienced disability lawyer. People who file claims through a lawyer are 3x more likely to get benefits right away. Unfortunately, the SSA turns down many eligible applicants. Beneficiaries who qualify for legal assistance through our website typically get $12,000 in lump-sum backpay as well as monthly benefits. These lawyers work on contingency. This means you’ll pay $0 for legal assistance if you don’t win benefits. But if you win, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to get your free online 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.