How to Determine How Much Social Security Disability You'd Get

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The amount of Social Security benefits you will receive if you become disabled is determined by a credit system. The credit system is based on how long you have worked and how much money you made while working.

You can receive up to four credits a year, as of 2009. You get one credit for every $1,090 you earn (up to the four credits max each year). The number of credits you need is based on how old you are when you become disabled.

Instructions

1. To get the most accurate estimate of how much disability benefits you are entitled to, you should look at your Social Security Statement. This typically gets delivered to you automatically each year, about three months before your birthday.

2. If you have not received your Social Security Disability statement, or if you have lost it and need to replace it, you can request a new one by going into the Social Security office during normal business hours.

3. You can also request your Social Security Disability statement online. For this, you will need your Social Security number, place of birth, mother's maiden name, and an address where your statement can be mailed. For a more accurate estimate, you can also enter your present and future income estimates. Once you have this information, go to the Social Security Online Request Form link listed below.

4. Your other alternative for requesting your Social Security Disability Statement is to mail in your request. To do this, you will need to print up form SSA-7004 (link below) and mail it to the following Social Security address:

   Social Security Administration
   Wilkes Barre Data Operations Center
   P.O. Box 7004
   Wilkes Barre, PA 18767-7004

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to this form every time you get it. Contact your local Social Security office anytime you see something questionable on your statement.

Resources

• Social Security Statement Mail-in Request
• Social Security Office Locator
• Social Security Online Request Form
• How to Get SSI and Social Security Disability