Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, or SSDI benefits, provide the financial support you need in the case of a serious illness or injury, but they’re not always easy to obtain. To qualify for SSDI in Georgia, you must demonstrate your inability to work and provide for yourself.
If you’re considering an SSDI claim in Georgia, here’s how the system works, what to expect, and how an attorney can help you improve your claim and the likelihood of receiving SSDI.
How Much Does Disability Pay in Georgia?
SSDI in Georgia is calculated using a nationwide federal formula and paid according to your lifetime average earnings. The Social Security Administration uses a progressive formula to determine the payout.
Georgia doesn’t supplement federal SSDI payments like some other states, so what the SSA determines is the maximum you can receive for SSDI. In January 2025, the average SSDI benefit paid to those with disabilities was approximately $1,581 nationwide. These amounts typically increase annually with the cost-of-living adjustment.
How SSDI Is Calculated in Georgia
SSDI in Georgia is calculated the same way as it is nationally: Through the Social Security Administration’s formulas. The SSA uses two formulas to determine how much you’ll get in SSDI payments. They are:
- Average Indexed Monthly Earnings, or AIME
- Primary Insurance Amount, or PIA
Each of these will have an impact on your final benefit amount.
How AIME Affects SSDI Payments
To determine AIME, the SSA looks at your highest-earning working years, up to 35, and adjusts each for inflation. Then, it averages the monthly amounts to get an inflation-adjusted figure to provide a better picture of your real lifetime earnings. That number is the basis for your SSDI payment calculation.
Understanding PIA and Payment Calculation
After the AIME is calculated, the SSA uses a three-tiered formula to calculate the Primary Insurance Amount, which is the amount you’ll start receiving at normal retirement age.
The PIA formula separates your AIME into three portions and multiplies each by a percentage f. The results are then added and rounded down to the next lower multiple of $0.10 to get your PIA. The percentages are as follows:
- 90% of the first $1,174 of your AIME
- 32% of the amount from $1,175 to $7,078
- 15% of the AIME over $7,078
How To Check Your SSDI Eligibility and Estimate Payments
If you want to know what your SSDI payments could look like, the best way to do so is to log into your my Social Security account. This account provides you with personalized tools to determine your benefits, check the status of your application, and even manage your benefits once you receive them. Navigate to the Disability Planner tool within your account to get started.
To estimate your potential SSDI payments, use our SSDI calculator.
Other Factors That Affect Disability Payments in Georgia
While SSDI payments are based on your work history, other factors may impact how much you receive. For example, you may qualify for auxiliary benefits if you have dependents, such as children or a spouse, who rely on your income.
Similarly, if you are married, your spouse’s income could reduce your payment. Also, the cost-of-living adjustments can affect how much you receive and may lead to higher payments to account for inflation.
How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost in Georgia?
You don’t have to worry about affording a skilled advocate to represent you in a disability claim. At Disability Advice, we offer a free consultation to help you get the information you need to make informed decisions about a disability claim or appeal. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
The Social Security Administration limits the amount attorneys can charge to represent claimants. The SSA will not approve a fee that is more than 25% of the past-due benefits amount. In addition, it sets a current maximum fee, which is currently $9,200 for favorable decisions made on or after November 30, 2024.
Common Questions About Disability Benefits in Georgia
How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits in Georgia?
The initial decision for SSDI typically takes six to eight months, but many people receive denials on their initial applications. If you need to appeal the denial, then that process could take a year or longer.
Can I Work While Receiving Disability Benefits in Georgia?
Yes, you can. As long as you earn less than what is considered substantial gainful activity, which is $1,620 per month for those not considered blind and $2,700 per month for those who are statutorily blind in 2025, then you should be able to receive disability benefits and work.
You may also attempt to return to work through a trial work period, during which the earnings will not impact your SSDI benefits.
What Happens if My Disability Claim Is Denied in Georgia?
If your disability claim is denied in Georgia, you have the right to an appeal. The appeals process has the following four levels:
- Request for reconsideration: To request reconsideration, you must file online. In a reconsideration, an examiner different from the initial reviewer will review your claim.
- Hearing with an administrative law judge: If your reconsideration does not result in approval, you can request a disability hearing. An administrative law judge will hear your case, question you about your medical condition, question any other witnesses like vocational experts, and review the evidence provided.
- Review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council: If you don’t agree with the judge’s decision, you can request a review through the Appeals Council. It will only review the case if it disagrees with the judge’s findings.
- Federal district court action: If you lose before the Appeals Council, you can file a civil lawsuit in U.S. district court. You will likely need an attorney to prepare and file the lawsuit.
Looking for an SSDI Lawyer in Georgia?
The SSDI claims process in Georgia is complex. A skilled and experienced disability lawyer can help protect your rights and give you the best shot at success.
At Disability Advice, we advocate for disabled Americans and fight for the benefits they’ve earned. If you’re ready to apply for SSDI or appeal a denial, contact us for a free consultation today.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
