Understanding the Types of Disability Benefits

There are two primary types of federal disability benefits administered by the SSA:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Based on your work history and how much you’ve paid into Social Security through payroll taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.

The type of benefit you're eligible for will impact how much you receive.

What Is the Average Monthly Disability Payment in Oklahoma?

As of the most recent SSA data:

• SSDI recipients in Oklahoma receive an average of approximately $1,450 per month.
• SSI recipients in Oklahoma receive an average of around $600 to $700 per month, depending on individual income, resources, and living arrangements.

These amounts can fluctuate based on your specific circumstances, including your earnings history (for SSDI) or your current financial need (for SSI).

How Are Disability Benefits Calculated?

For SSDI, your benefit amount is determined by your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) over your working years and then applied to a formula used by the SSA to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).

For SSI, the SSA starts with the federal benefit rate (about $943/month in 2024 for an individual) and subtracts any countable income you may have. Some states also offer additional supplemental payments, but Oklahoma does not currently provide a general SSI supplement.

Factors That May Affect Your Benefit Amount

• Work History: The longer and more consistently you've worked and paid Social Security taxes, the higher your SSDI benefit is likely to be.
• Current Income and Assets: These are more relevant to SSI benefits, which are income-based.
• Living Arrangements: Living in a care facility, with someone who provides free housing or meals, or in subsidized housing may reduce your SSI payment.
• Other Benefits: If you receive workers’ compensation or other public disability benefits, your SSDI payment may be reduced.

Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)

Each year, the SSA may adjust benefit amounts based on inflation through a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This increase ensures your buying power remains consistent even as living costs rise. For example, in 2024, the COLA increase was 3.2%.

Oklahoma-Specific Considerations

While the SSA is a federal agency and benefits are determined at the national level, state-level economic conditions and average income levels can influence what recipients in Oklahoma typically receive. Additionally:

• Oklahoma doesn’t offer a state-funded SSI supplement for most recipients.
• The approval rate for disability applications in Oklahoma tends to be slightly below the national average, making it even more critical to submit a thorough and accurate application.