Table of Contents

If a medical condition keeps you from working, you might be able to get financial help through two federal programs. These programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Dealing with the Social Security Administration can feel very overwhelming. We understand how stressful this is, and we are here to help you every step of the way. This guide explains both programs simply. It also compares the 2026 SSDI payment amounts by state and shows how SSI averages change depending on where you live. 

ssdi-and-ssi-averages

Average SSDI Payment Amounts by State in 2026 

The government adjusts monthly payments each year based on the cost of living (COLA). For 2026, benefits went up by 2.8 percent compared to 2025. 

  • SSDI is for people who have had a steady work history and paid Social Security taxes. To qualify in 2026, you cannot earn more than a set limit from working. Learn more about set limits in this article. 
  • SSI is based on financial need. It is for individuals with very low income and few resources, even if they do not have a long work history. 

States with the Highest SSDI Benefits 

Your individual disability payment depends mostly on your own work history and past earnings. However, residents in certain states usually see higher average benefits. The states with the highest SSDI averages in 2026 include: 

  • New Jersey 
  • Delaware 
  • Nevada 
  • Connecticut 
  • Arizona 

States with the Lowest SSDI Benefits 

Other states have lower average monthly payments. The states with the lowest monthly benefit averages include: 

  • District of Columbia 
  • North Dakota 
  • South Dakota 
  • Nebraska 
  • Maine 

Need help with your claim?

You do not have to figure this out alone. Feel free to fill out our form for a free claim evaluation.

2026 SSDI and SSI Benefit Table by State 

Do you want to see the numbers for your area? The table below shows the 2026 average monthly SSDI and SSI benefits by state. It also shows if the state offers extra state money. These averages are based on 2025 data plus the 2026 cost of living increase (COLA). 

 

State 

Average SSDI Payment 

Average SSI Payment 

Alabama 

$1,495.73 

$696.87 

Alaska 

$1,514.34 

$677.39 

Arizona 

$1,586.12 

$714.01 

Arkansas 

$1,455.06 

$714.51 

California 

$1,567.69 

$680.64 

Colorado 

$1,539.65 

$698.55 

Connecticut 

$1,592.79 

$716.55 

Delaware 

$1,644.77 

$728.62 

District of Columbia 

$1,358.03 

$750.82 

Florida 

$1,564.35 

$702.47 

Georgia 

$1,526.97 

$705.03 

Hawaii 

$1,575.01 

$683.37 

Idaho 

$1,497.58 

$708.16 

Illinois 

$1,536.93 

$728.31 

Indiana 

$1,521.56 

$725.64 

Iowa 

$1,451.77 

$701.25 

Kansas 

$1,479.47 

$710.70 

Kentucky 

$1,487.03 

$712.82 

Louisiana 

$1,461.04 

$721.86 

Maine 

$1,434.40 

$692.74 

Maryland 

$1,585.39 

$740.84 

Massachusetts 

$1,535.11 

$713.23 

Michigan 

$1,551.19 

$736.68 

Minnesota 

$1,517.05 

$742.56 

Mississippi 

$1,456.15 

$691.39 

Missouri 

$1,481.42 

$700.92 

Montana 

$1,446.48 

$667.20 

Nebraska 

$1,430.79 

$692.05 

Nevada 

$1,606.19 

$717.04 

New Hampshire 

$1,571.22 

$678.46 

New Jersey 

$1,694.21 

$676.91 

New Mexico 

$1,437.34 

$686.45 

New York 

$1,583.71 

$716.34 

North Carolina 

$1,525.53 

$694.99 

North Dakota 

$1,427.85 

$665.04 

Ohio 

$1,462.73 

$736.15 

Oklahoma 

$1,462.89 

$714.43 

Oregon 

$1,500.51 

$718.51 

Pennsylvania 

$1,535.26 

$742.45 

Rhode Island 

$1,505.35 

$715.72 

South Carolina 

$1,554.81 

$690.93 

South Dakota 

$1,430.11 

$684.39 

Tennessee 

$1,487.14 

$707.26 

Texas 

$1,504.68 

$687.42 

Utah 

$1,514.89 

$707.80 

Vermont 

$1,437.49 

$691.47 

Virginia 

$1,539.33 

$711.17 

Washington 

$1,536.16 

$736.95 

West Virginia 

$1,506.17 

$722.93 

Wisconsin 

$1,500.89 

$721.51 

Wyoming 

$1,527.49 

$688.53 

What Are State Supplemental Payments? 

Because SSI is based on financial need, some states give extra money on top of the federal SSI payment. 

  • States Without Extra Payments: Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia do not offer this extra state money. 
  • How it is Managed: Depending on where you live, this extra money might be included in your main federal check or sent as a separate payment from your state government. 

Key Factors That Change Your Benefit Amount 

The numbers in our table are just averages. Your actual monthly check could be higher or lower based on a few important details: 

  1. Your Lifetime Earnings: SSDI is based strictly on how much money you earned before your disability started. 
  2. Your Work Credits: You earn work credits by paying taxes while you work. Your age when you became disabled decides how many credits you need to qualify. 
  3. Other Income: For SSI, your payments can go up or down based on your living situation, other money you make, and things you own.
 

Take the First Step Toward Your SSDI Benefits

At Disability Representatives of America, we see more than a claim, we see your story. When your health changes everything, we’re here to remind you that you deserve support that honors your strength and dignity. No matter where you are in the U.S., call our home office in Elmhurst, Illinois, at (866) 699-6630 or fill out this contact form to learn how we can help.