Social Security Q&A: Disability payment amount doesn’t change

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Published: July 5, 2009

Q: I currently receive Social Security disability benefits. I now have a second serious disability. Can my monthly benefit amount be increased?

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A: No, your payment will remain the same regardless of how many disabilities you have or how severe they are.

Your Social Security disability benefit is based on the amount of your lifetime earnings before your disability began and the fact that you have a disability, or combination of impairments, that makes you unable to work. Your actual payment amount is not based on the degree, type, or severity of your disability or how many disabling conditions you have.

For more information about Social Security disability benefits, go to socialsecurity.gov.

Is there a time limit for benefits?

Q: Is there a time limit on how long I can continue receiving Social Security disability benefits?

A: No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213.