Can You Survive on SSDI Alone?
While surviving on Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, alone may be possible for some, it can be extremely financially restricting for others. Ultimately, the feasibility of relying solely on SSDI depends on your individual lifestyle and financial situation.
There are several challenges to living on fixed benefits, including a need for tight budgeting. This guide will take a closer look at SSDI and explore whether it is possible to be wholly financially dependent on it.
What Is the Average SSDI Payment in 2025?
As of 2025, the average SSDI monthly payment is approximately $1,500. The current monthly maximum is $4,018, but only a small portion of recipients receive that amount.
The amount of your SSDI benefits is based on your past earnings record and how many covered years you worked and paid Social Security taxes. For primary disabled workers, the average SSDI monthly payment is higher at $1,580.67 per month. More specifically, women workers received $1,337.53 and men received $1,628.22.
If you receive SSDI, certain family members may also qualify for auxiliary or family benefits. Benefits for spouses and children are much lower at $431.53 for spouses and $510.02 for children. Overall, an eligible family member can typically receive up to 50% of the disabled worker’s benefit amount.
Factors That Affect Whether You Can Live on SSDI Alone
Certain cost-of-living pressures and personal factors have a greater influence over SSDI coverage than others, including housing costs, food, utilities, health care expenses, and other financial obligations.
Housing Costs
The amount you pay for rent or a mortgage can impact whether you can survive on SSDI alone and often depends on where you live, in an area with a high or low cost of living.
For instance, housing costs in cities like San Francisco, NYC, or Seattle can make it nearly impossible to depend on SSDI for financial aid. However, parts of the South or Midwest offer extremely affordable housing that could completely shift your financial situation.
Food and Utilities
The cost of living in your geographic location includes essentials like food and utilities. Unfortunately, many regions of the U.S. are facing rising grocery and energy prices, making it more challenging to survive on a low-income budget.
Grocery costs have risen significantly over the past few years due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and climate-related impacts on the agricultural sector. Similarly, electricity and natural gas prices have increased due to rising demand, fuel supply issues, and aging infrastructure. Each of these factors can influence whether SSDI coverage is sufficient for your lifestyle.
Health Care Expenses
When you are approved for SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period, unless you have ALS or end-stage renal disease, for which the waiting period will be waived. Medicare covers various medical expenses, including inpatient hospital care, outpatient care, doctor’s visits, skilled nursing care, and hospice care.
Medicaid is a state-run, needs-based program that may cover medical expenses for SSDI recipients with very low income and resources. Even with these two programs available to eligible individuals, out-of-pocket costs can still pile up, including prescription co-pays, bills for specialist visits, and the expenses of out-of-network providers.
Transportation Needs
Transportation is a critical, and often overlooked, issue for SSDI recipients, especially those whose mobility is affected by disability or who have limited income. Whether you need to attend medical appointments, visit grocery stores, or access social services, reliable transportation can significantly impact your ability to live independently and stay healthy.
One option for travel is public transit. A significant advantage of subway and bus services is that they are generally affordable, and you do not require auto insurance for them. However, not everyone has access to public transit, specifically those in rural areas.
In contrast, owning a vehicle offers greater freedom and flexibility, but requires you to budget for fuel, maintenance, and insurance. These costs may exceed the average SSDI monthly income, making it unaffordable for many recipients.
Dependents and Family Obligations
While living on SSDI, supporting dependents or other family obligations can significantly impact your financial situation, often rendering an already tight budget unsustainable without additional assistance. The additional expenses of food, utilities, and health care can exceed your fixed income.
If you are supporting a spouse or child, they may qualify for dependent benefits under your SSDI record. This could provide up to 50% of your SSDI benefit per dependent. However, if your total family benefits exceed the maximum, individual payments are reduced proportionally.
Cost of Living in Each State vs Average SSDI Payment
The sufficiency of SSDI benefits is significantly affected by estimated living expenses. Some states are much more affordable for SSDI recipients than others. The charts below show the states with the highest and lowest average cost of living. When reviewing the data, keep in mind that the average monthly SSDI payment as of 2025 is approximately $1,500.
States Where SSDI Stretches the Furthest
| State | Average Monthly Living Costs |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $1,250 – $1,400 |
| Arkansas | $1,300 – $1,450 |
| Oklahoma | $1,300 – $1,500 |
| West Virginia | $1,250 – $1,450 |
| Missouri | $1,350 – $1,500 |
| Indiana | $1,350 – $1,500 |
| Kentucky | $1,300 – $1,450 |
| New Mexico | $1,350 – $1,500 |
| Michigan | $1,400 – $1,600 |
| Michigan | $1,400 – $1,600 |
States Where It Is Hardest To Survive on SSDI Alone
| State | Average Monthly Living Costs |
|---|---|
| California | $2,400 – $3,200 |
| Hawaii | $2,700 – $3,500 |
| New York | $2,200 – $3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $2,300 – $3,000 |
| Colorado | $2,000 – $2,800 |
| Washington | $2,100 – $2,900 |
| Oregon | $2,000 – $2,700 |
In low-cost states, SSDI may cover all basic needs with careful budgeting. However, in high-cost states, it often covers only 50–75% of individuals’ monthly needs, requiring outside support or additional income.
How To Make SSDI Benefits Go Further
There are proactive and practical strategies you can use to your advantage to maximize limited income.
Affordable Housing Options
HUD-sponsored housing, Section 8 vouchers, and income-based apartment complexes can cap rent at a percentage of your income. For those open to it, shared housing with a roommate, family member, or caregiver can significantly lower monthly expenses while providing mutual support.
Assistance Programs That Can Help
Do not hesitate to apply for SNAP, also known as food stamps, to help cover groceries, or for LIHEAP to assist with heating and cooling bills. Similarly, Medicaid can cover medical costs that Medicare does not. Local food banks, churches, and nonprofits also provide emergency aid, household goods, and transportation assistance.
Budgeting Tips for SSDI Recipients
Simple budgeting tools or apps, such as EveryDollar, Mint, or GoodBudget, allow you to track your spending. Prioritize essentials, automate bill payments, and set aside a small emergency fund. Even on SSDI, a realistic monthly plan can reduce the risk of overdrafts or late fees.
Supplemental Income Possibilities
For those who can, working part-time while on SSDI can provide a stream of income for your household. The SSA allows limited earned income under the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which is about $1,550 a month in 2025 for non-blind individuals. If you have particularly low income and resources, you may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. In addition, you may be eligible to receive support from state vocational rehabilitation programs to find flexible or remote work that suits your abilities.
Common Challenges of Living on SSDI Alone
Approximately 21.8 million seniors in the United States rely solely on Social Security benefits to cover their expenses. Clearly, it is possible to be dependent on SSDI. However, there are still emotional and practical difficulties to be aware of.
Poverty Rates Among SSDI Beneficiaries
According to the Social Security Administration’s 2024 projections, 5% of all SSDI beneficiaries aged 60 or older live in poverty. An additional 10.0% fall below the Supplemental Poverty Measure, which accounts for factors like housing costs and medical expenses.
Mental Health and Stress of Financial Insecurity
Financial insecurity, primarily when relying solely on SSDI benefits, can take a significant toll on mental health and overall well-being. Some commonly seen mental conditions among SSDI recipients include chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and social strain. The emotional impact of financial insecurity can also contribute to physical issues like pain, fatigue, and weakened immune response.
Risk of Homelessness
The average SSDI benefit of $1,580 a month often falls short of local housing costs, especially in urban or high-cost areas. When rent consumes over 50% of SSDI income, individuals have little left for other essentials, increasing the risk of eviction or falling behind on bills.
It is an unfortunate reality that disabled individuals represent a disproportionate share of the homeless population. According to HUD data, roughly 25% of homeless adults have disabilities.
FAQs About Living on SSDI
Does SSDI Vary by State?
No, SSDI benefits are determined by your work history and earnings and are the same nationwide. However, state-level programs and the cost of living can affect your overall financial situation.
Can I Work Part-Time and Still Receive SSDI?
Yes, you can work part-time as long as your earnings stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which is $1,580 a month as of 2025 for most beneficiaries.
Is SSDI Enough To Cover Housing and Health Care?
Often, SSDI alone is not enough to fully cover housing and health care costs, especially in higher-cost areas, so many recipients rely on assistance programs or supplemental income.
Can I Apply for Additional Benefits While on SSDI?
Yes, you may qualify for programs such as Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, SNAP, or housing assistance to supplement your SSDI benefits.
What Happens if My Cost of Living Exceeds My SSDI Payment?
If your expenses surpass your SSDI benefits, you may face financial hardship, but you can seek help through local assistance programs, nonprofit resources, or consider budgeting and housing options to reduce costs.
Can You Survive on SSDI Alone? Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The reality of SSDI is that it can be challenging to survive on without additional support. Your financial and personal situation greatly influences how doable it is to rely on SSDI.
If you or a loved one needs assistance with securing Social Security Disability benefits for a qualifying condition, we can help. Disability Advice offers guidance on applying for SSDI, maximizing benefits, and appealing denials, and could help with your claim. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
