Important: We updated this article in May 2023 to make sure everything below is both current and correct. If you’re over 50 and unable to work due to a health issue, you may wonder, “What is Social Security disability (SSD)? What’s more, how can it help me financially?” Surprisingly, the number of current SSD beneficiaries aged 50-66 ranges from 453,214 in California down to 8,093 in Alaska. Not only can SSD benefits help cover basic expenses, but they may also help with excess medical bills that often come with age.
According to the most recent Annual Statistical Supplement, more than 6 million Americans over 50 currently receive SSD benefits. We’ve listed total SSD beneficiaries in the over 50 age group for every U.S. state as well as Washington, D.C. below. In addition, we show the average monthly benefit amount Americans aged 50+ receive by state. Interestingly, people aged 50-66 make up more than 78% of all SSD beneficiaries in current-payment status:
- 42% of people on SSD are more than 60 years old
- 23% are between 55-59 years old
- 13% are aged 50-54
Total SSD Beneficiaries Over 50 By State As Well As Average Monthly Pay Amounts:
Alabama – 162,074 people; amount: $1,543.13
Alaska – 8,093 people; amount: $1,621.80
Arizona – 111,310 people; amount: $1,620.51
Arkansas – 97,715 people; amount: $1,498.99
California – 453,214 people; amount: $1,491.24
Colorado – 66,578 people; amount: $1,618.47
Connecticut – 58,230 people; amount: $1,678.29
Delaware – 20,659 people; amount: $1,669.94
District of Columbia – 9,237 people; amount: $1,391.45
Florida – 419,388 people; amount: $1,573.21
Georgia – 207,741 people; amount: $1,533.58
Hawaii – 15,240 people; amount: $1,573.48
Idaho – 31,172 people; amount: $1,540.82
Illinois – 195,434 people; amount: $1,605.02
Indiana – 148,285 people; amount: $1,583.40
Iowa – 56,315 people; amount: $1,514.66
Kansas – 50,852 people; amount: $1,552.79
Kentucky – 143,745 people; amount: $1,533.27
Louisiana – 111,300 people; amount: $1,503.93
Maine – 38,285 people; amount: $1,501.67
Maryland – 89,451 people; amount: $1,673.39
Massachusetts – 130,200 people; amount: $1,649.95
Michigan – 241,681 people; amount: $1,626.92
Minnesota – 84,128 people; amount: $1,609.53
Mississippi – 91,140 people; amount: $1,479.92
Missouri – 152,038 people; amount: $1,540.49
Montana – 18,884 people; amount: $1,486.05
Nebraska – 28,772 people; amount: $1,485.68
Nevada – 47,463 people; amount: $1,617.37
New Hampshire – 31,485 people; amount: $1,645.89
New Jersey – 139,787 people; amount: $1,774.93
New Mexico – 44,440 people; amount: $1,482.06
New York – 358,483 people; amount: $1,651.89
North Carolina – 236,984 people; amount: $1,552.56
North Dakota – 9,978 people; amount: $1,484.10
Ohio – 247,342 people; amount: $1,524.81
Oklahoma – 91,788 people; amount: $1,505.10
Oregon – 74,315 people; amount: $1,540.94
Pennsylvania – 291,174 people; amount: $1,630.53
Rhode Island – 25,817 people; amount: $1,550.48
South Carolina – 130,417 people; amount: $1,545.29
South Dakota – 13,098 people; amount: $1,468.36
Tennessee – 176,410 people; amount: $1,516.07
Texas – 392,083 people; amount: $1,548.71
Utah – 30,985 people; amount: $1,544.26
Vermont – 14,554 people; amount: $1,486.69
Virginia – 150,238 people; amount: $1,578.29
Washington – 115,936 people; amount: $1,634.15
West Virginia – 63,073 people; amount: $1,565.86
Wisconsin – 111,494 people; amount: $1,592.03
Wyoming – 9,642 people; amount: $1,619.94
Average National SSD Payment for All Age Groups
Once you average all payments in the U.S., the typical monthly SSD benefit this year is $1,483. In order to ensure you receive the highest benefit amount you qualify for, we recommend having an attorney file your application. Need help, but not sure where to find a qualified Social Security attorney? We can, in fact, match you with the closest one who’s available to help you right away.
How to Get Free Expert Claim Help Right Now
Applicants over 50 are almost 3x more likely to qualify for benefits when a lawyer files their SSD claims. In fact, just 1 in every 5 people who applies for SSD receives benefits the first time they apply. If you get denied but win benefits on appeal, it takes 450 days, on average. That means you’ll wait as much as 18 months for your first payment!
Those who qualify for expert claim help through our website get at least $13,800 in back pay plus monthly benefits.
If the SSA won’t approve your application for benefits, then you owe your lawyer $0. And if your case wins, then you’ll only pay one small fee. That’s because all disability lawyers work on contingency. In other words, you’ll pay nothing up front for claim help now.
Want free expert claim help when you apply? Then click the button below to start your free benefits quiz and see if you may qualify:
Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation
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.