October 2021 SSD Benefits Statistics Report

Let’s review the October 2021 SSD benefits statistics report from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This monthly statistical snapshot shows how disability pay and beneficiary numbers changed during the last 30 days. Anyone on disability can use these reports to compare their monthly benefit payments against the national average. Below, we review the latest data from both federal programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

October 2021 SSD Benefits Statistics Report

Total Number of Social Security Disability Beneficiaries: 9,294,000

Disabled Workers: 7,943,000

Spouses of Disabled Workers: 98,000

Children of Disabled Workers: 1,253,000

Average Monthly Social Security Disability Benefit Amount: $1,154.05

Disabled Workers: $1,282.37

Spouses of Disabled Workers: $358.00

Children of Disabled Workers: $402.74

How the October 2021 SSD Benefits Statistics Report Affects Beneficiaries

As expected, the October 2021 SSD benefits statistics report shows a large number of recipients struck off this month’s rolls. Since 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day, many SSD recipients convert to regular Social Security payments each month. Some may pass away, while others get better and return to work. This month’s report shows 39,000 fewer disabled workers receiving benefits in October compared to last month. In addition, we noted 1,000 fewer spouses and 5,000 fewer children getting SSD payments. Overall, this brings the total number of SSD beneficiaries down by 45,000 during this 30-day period:

These numbers might seem high to some people. However, there are 1,710,507 fewer SSD beneficiaries today than during the program’s peak in May 2014. Despite these massive reductions in every beneficiary group, the SSA also approved the following new SSD claimants since September:

• 47,226 disabled workers (25,416 men and 21,810 women)
• 2,261 spouses of disabled workers (246 husbands and 2,015 wives)
• 20,493 children of disabled workers

This means the SSA approved nearly 70,000 SSD claims between September and October.

October 2021 SSD Benefits Statistics: Looking Deeper at the Monetary Stats

Once more, average payments to spousal beneficiaries went down this month. October’s average payments went down $.44 compared to September. However, average payments to children of disabled workers went up $1.65. Average SSD benefits for disabled workers also increased $1.39 in the last 30 days. With all groups combined, the total average SSD payment nationwide went up $1.54 this month.

Of course, if the SSA just approved your SSD claim, your average payment will likely be much higher.

Below are the latest average SSD benefit amounts for people approved in the last 30 days:

• $1,480.56/month for disabled workers ($1,631.47/month for men, $1,304.69/month for women)
• $364.26/month for spouses of disabled workers ($332.40/month for husbands, and $368.15/month for wives)
• $424.64/month for children of disabled workers

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Data in the October 2021 Report

The October 2021 SSD benefits statistics report also lists updated SSI program data for seniors and the disabled. Just like last month, seniors are the only group of SSI beneficiaries that grew in October:

Total SSI beneficiaries: 7,737,000 (-36,000)

Children under 18 receiving SSI: 1,048,000 (-10,000)

SSI recipients aged 18-64: 4,400,000 (-27,000)

SSI recipients aged 65+: 2,289,000 (+2,000)

Here are October’s average monthly SSI payments for each age group:

• $587.18/month is the average monthly benefit nationwide across all ages
• $694.13/month for children younger than 18
• $619.31/month for working-age beneficiaries (i.e., those aged 18-64)
• $476.58/month for seniors aged 65+ who qualify based on age and poverty level

You May Qualify for Legal Assistance

Why go years without income and file multiple appeals to get the benefits you need and deserve? The SSA is nearly 3x more likely to approve your claim if a Social Security attorney files if for you. People who qualify for legal assistance typically get a one-time payment $10,000 as well as monthly disability. The SSA usually denies 4 out of 5 claims from those who apply on their own without legal assistance.

Think you can’t afford legal assistance? If you don’t get benefits, then your lawyer gets $0 for helping you. But if the SSA does award you benefits, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.

Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!

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