Social Security Disability Income and other disability benefits are in place to financially support those who are unable to work due to temporary or permanent disability. It provides weekly income calculated based on the class of disability and the person’s income before they became disabled.
In Iowa, the process for claiming and receiving disability pay can be long and frustrating- which is why it is always best to consult with an experienced workers comp attorney in Des Moines for assistance with the application. They can help understand the process and calculations and maximize the likelihood of benefits being awarded.
The Average Disability Payout in Iowa
Monthly payouts for disability benefits vary greatly from person to person, but the average amount in Iowa is just over $1000. This is considering all types of benefits- including Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Iowa Division of Workmans Compensation (DWC).
Each of these three benefits systems financially provides support based on physical or medical disability, but they pay different amounts and apply to different people.
SSDI Average Payouts and Calculations
The average SSDI pay in the US is just over $1300 per month- with the highest amount approved in the past fey year- coming in at $3345. Iowa’s average is $1013.80.
Benefits are calculated based on the average of a person’s highest wages over a 35-year timeframe. Payments equate to 40% of that average. Benefits can be increased through a cost-of-living adjustment, but this is taken case by case.
SSI Average Payouts and Calculations
Supplemental Security Income is an alternative source of financial support for people who can’t work due to their physical or medical status but don’t meet all the requirements for Social Security Disability Income. SSI is aimed at low-income individuals or couples and has strict limits as to what resources a person can have.
If someone is out of work because they are blind or otherwise disabled (or over 65 and unable to work due to health issues) and have no assets, they can apply for SSI.
In Iowa, the maximum disability payouts through the Supplemental Security Income are as follows:
$841 for an individual
$1261 per couple
The exact amount is calculated based on an individual’s or couple’s total income (which cannot exceed $1350 per month. It also considers any savings or assets. In some cases, very low earners (or those who have no income because of their disability) can apply for further benefits through Iowa State Supplementary Assistance. A person can receive SSI and SSA at the same time.
DWC Average Payouts and Calculations
Iowa’s Division of Workers Compensation handles disability payments for people who can no longer work (temporarily or permanently) after injuries or illness sustained on the job. It is a specific type of insurance taken out by employers (required by law in Iowa) that covers lost income and medical expenses.
The disability payment portion of DWC benefits is calculated based on the average weekly earnings of the person before they were disabled- and the rate applied to their class of disability.
Possible classes include:
Temporary Total Disability
Permanent Total Disability
Healing Period
Death
Permanent Partial Disability
The maximum weekly Iowa payout for all classes except Permanent Partial Disability is $1864. PPD has a maximum limit of $1715. A weekly minimum of $326 applies to PPD, PTD (Permanent Total Disability), and Death Benefits.
Speak to an Experienced Iowa Attorney about Your Entitlement to Disability Benefits
Asking how much disability pays in Iowa is only half the battle: people should also ask how they get it. Applying for disability benefits in Iowa can be tricky- with as many as 70% of initial applications rejected. Luckily, the appeals process for SSDI is fair- and with the support of a legal expert in this field, the chances of success are far greater.
For other questions, such as is workman's comp taxable and can an employer cancel health insurance while on workers' comp, talk to an attorney at Tom Fowler Law.
Losing a job under any circumstances is difficult to manage- but being unable to work because of a disability is life-changing. Worrying about income and support detracts from the healing and self-care process- especially if a claim is dragged out over months or sometimes years.
Let Tom Fowler Law Help You Today
Contact the elite team of legal professionals at Tom Fowler Law for unrivaled experience and expertise in disability benefit claims. Work with a lawyer who cares and can help you get back on track.