Oklahoma SSDI Payments: How Are They Calculated?

When a disability keeps you from working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can provide crucial financial support. Many Oklahoma residents ask, “How are SSDI payments calculated?” In this guide, we at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons break down exactly how these benefits work and what you can expect.

What Is SSDI?

SSDI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to workers who can no longer perform their jobs due to a qualifying disability. Unlike some government programs, SSDI is not based on financial need. Rather, it’s an insurance program you’ve paid into through your payroll taxes while working.

Factors That Affect SSDI Payments

Several key factors determine your monthly SSDI payment amount:

• Your Work History – The length of time you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes is crucial. Generally, you need to have worked for at least five of the last ten years to qualify for SSDI. The more years you’ve worked and paid into the system, the higher your potential benefit.
• Your Average Earnings – Your income during your working years is another significant factor. To calculate your benefit, the SSA looks at your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) over your lifetime. As such, higher earners will typically receive larger SSDI payments.
• Your Recent Employment – To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked enough recently and paid Social Security taxes. The exact requirements vary based on your age.
• Other Benefits – Certain other government benefits may affect your SSDI amount. For example, if you receive workers’ compensation or public disability benefits, your SSDI payment may be reduced so that your combined benefits don’t exceed a certain threshold.

How SSDI Payments Are Calculated

To understand how to calculate SSDI payments, you need to know about the Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) formula. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses your highest-earning years to determine your benefit amount. 

So, how is SSDI payment calculated? Here are the steps:

1. The SSA looks at your lifetime earnings record.
2. They adjust these earnings for inflation.
3. They use your 35 highest-earning years.
4. They calculate your average monthly earnings.
5. They apply a formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).

Additional Oklahoma-Specific Considerations

While SSDI is a federal program, Oklahoma residents should keep a few state-specific factors in mind:

• The average SSDI payment in Oklahoma is $1,423.04 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average. However, this amount can vary significantly based on your individual work history and earnings.
• Oklahoma’s cost of living may affect how far your SSDI benefits stretch. While the state’s overall cost of living is relatively low compared to the national average, expenses like housing, healthcare, and transportation can still add up quickly, especially if you have ongoing medical needs related to your disability.
• State programs might complement your SSDI benefits. Oklahoma offers several assistance programs for residents with disabilities, such as the Disability Determination Division. These programs may provide additional financial support or services to help you make the most of your SSDI benefits.

Maximum and Minimum SSDI Payments

For 2024, there are limits on the amount you can receive in SSDI payments each month:

• The maximum monthly SSDI benefit for 2024 is $3,822. This amount is based on the maximum taxable earnings for Social Security, which is $168,600 in 2024. However, it’s important to note that most SSDI recipients do not receive the maximum benefit, as it requires a consistently high income throughout your working years.
• The average monthly SSDI payment for 2024 is $1,537. This average takes into account all SSDI recipients, including those with lower lifetime earnings and shorter work histories.
• The minimum SSDI payment varies based on your work history and the number of years you’ve paid into the Social Security system. There is no set minimum benefit, as payments are calculated based on your individual earnings record. However, SSDI payments can be as low as a few hundred dollars per month for those with limited work history or low lifetime earnings.

How to Appeal if Your SSDI Payment is Incorrect

If you believe there’s an error in your payment calculation, you can take steps to correct it.

First, review your earnings record for accuracy. Ensure that your work history and income are correctly reported to the SSA. If you find any discrepancies, gather documentation of any missing or incorrect information, such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, or tax returns.

Next, file a request for reconsideration with the SSA. This is the first level of appeal, and you must submit your request within 60 days of receiving the initial determination. Be sure to include any supporting documentation you’ve gathered.

If the SSA turns down your request for reconsideration, you can continue the appeals process by asking for a hearing before an administrative law judge. 

When and How Do You Receive Payments?

Once your SSDI claim is approved, you’ll start receiving monthly payments based on a regular schedule.

SSDI benefits are paid out monthly, typically on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday. The exact payment date depends on your birth date:

• If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you’ll be paid on the second Wednesday.
• If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday.
• If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, you’ll be paid on the fourth Wednesday.

Direct deposit is the most secure and reliable way to receive your SSDI payments. This arrangement ensures that your benefits are automatically deposited into your bank account each month without the risk of lost or stolen checks.

How to Maximize Your SSDI Benefits

Take the following steps to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve:

• Check your earnings record regularly.
• Report any missing income promptly.
• Understand how other benefits affect SSDI.
• Keep detailed records of your work history.
• Contact an experienced disability attorney.

At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we understand that trying to secure disability benefits can feel overwhelming. Our experienced SSDI attorneys can help ensure you receive the full amount you deserve. 

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your SSDI claim.

This post was originally published in September 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in February 2025.