Illinois Disability Benefits Calculator
Use this calculator to get an estimated idea of your potential monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if you reside in Illinois. Please note that these are federal programs, and Illinois does not provide a state supplement to SSI. Actual benefit amounts are determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Your Information:
(Find this on your Social Security Statement. Enter 0 if unknown or not applicable for SSDI.)
(e.g., spouse, unmarried children under 18, or disabled children.)
(Income from wages or self-employment before deductions.)
(e.g., pensions, interest, other benefits, gifts.)
Individual
Married
(e.g., bank accounts, investments. Excludes home, car, personal belongings.)
Understanding Disability Benefits in Illinois
For residents of Illinois, disability benefits primarily come from two federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA): Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While Illinois does not have a separate state-funded cash assistance program specifically for general disability that supplements these federal benefits, it does offer various support services and programs for individuals with disabilities.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient number of years. It's essentially an insurance program. Your eligibility and benefit amount are based on your work history and earnings.
- Eligibility: To qualify for SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the SSA's definition of disability and have accumulated enough "work credits" through your employment. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you become disabled.
- Benefit Calculation: Your monthly SSDI benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. This is known as your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The higher your average indexed monthly earnings, the higher your potential benefit. Family members, such as a spouse or unmarried children, may also be eligible for auxiliary benefits based on your work record, up to a family maximum.
- Example: If your Estimated Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is $1,500, your individual monthly SSDI benefit would be $1,500. If you have an eligible dependent, the total family benefit could be higher, up to a family maximum (e.g., 150-180% of your PIA).
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program for disabled, blind, or aged individuals who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. It is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
- Eligibility: To qualify for SSI, you must meet the SSA's definition of disability (or be blind or age 65 or older), and your countable income and resources (assets) must fall below strict federal limits. For 2024, the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
- Benefit Calculation: The maximum federal SSI benefit is called the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). For 2024, the FBR is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Your actual SSI benefit is the FBR minus your "countable income." The SSA has specific rules for what income is counted and what is excluded. For instance, a portion of earned income and a small amount of unearned income are typically excluded.
- Example: An individual with no unearned income, $300 in monthly earned income, and $1,500 in countable assets would have their SSI calculated as follows:
- FBR (Individual): $943
- Unearned Income Exclusion: $20 (from $0 unearned income)
- Earned Income Exclusion: $65 (from $300 earned income)
- Remaining Earned Income: $300 – $65 = $235
- Countable Earned Income: $235 / 2 = $117.50
- Total Countable Income: $0 (unearned) + $117.50 (earned) = $117.50
- Estimated SSI Benefit: $943 – $117.50 = $825.50
Applying for Benefits in Illinois
Regardless of whether you are applying for SSDI or SSI, the application process begins with the Social Security Administration. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office. Illinois residents will follow the same federal application procedures.
Important Considerations
- Medical Evidence: A critical part of any disability application is comprehensive medical evidence supporting your claim.
- Work Incentives: Both SSDI and SSI have work incentive programs designed to help beneficiaries return to work without immediately losing their benefits.
- Medicaid/Medicare: SSDI beneficiaries typically become eligible for Medicare after a waiting period. SSI beneficiaries are usually eligible for Medicaid immediately.
- State Resources: While Illinois doesn't supplement SSI cash benefits, it offers other programs like the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) services, vocational rehabilitation, and housing assistance that can support individuals with disabilities.
This calculator provides an estimate and should not be considered a guarantee of benefits. For precise information and to apply, please contact the Social Security Administration directly or consult with a qualified disability advocate or attorney.