I am 60% disabled. Do I get 60% of my Social Security disability benefits?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am 60% disabled. Do I get 60% of my Social Security disability benefits?

Answering your question.

No, you do not get 60% of your Social Security Disability benefits based on a percentage rating like that. Here’s why:

Social Security Doesn’t Use a Percentage System

You may be thinking of the VA (Veterans Affairs) system. The VA gives disability ratings in percentages, like:

• 10%, 30%, 60%, or even 100% disabled
  

With the VA, your monthly payment depends on that percentage.
 But Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) does not work that way.

Social Security is All-or-Nothing

With Social Security, you are either:

• Disabled, and you get full benefits
   OR
• Not disabled, and you get nothing
  

There’s no 60% or 80% level. You either qualify or you don’t — based on whether your condition stops you from doing any kind of full-time work for at least 12 months.

How Does Social Security Decide Your Benefit Amount?

If you are approved, your benefit is based on:

• Your past work history
• How much money you earned and paid into Social Security through taxes (FICA)
• It has nothing to do with a percentage rating like the VA uses

So someone who worked more and earned higher wages will likely get a bigger check than someone who worked less — but again, it’s not based on how disabled you are.

Example:

• Let’s say the VA says you’re 60% disabled for back and knee problems.
• You apply for Social Security Disability.
• Social Security looks at your medical records and says:
  • “You’re not disabled under our rules, because you can still do light work.
  • ”Or they might say, “Yes, you’re disabled” — and then they pay you the full monthly benefit based on your work history, not 60% of it.
    
    

Bottom Line (Simple Version):

VA Disability System	Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Uses % like 10%, 60%, 100%	No % — just disabled or not
Payment amount based on rating	Payment based on work history
Can work and still get some benefits	Must be unable to work full-time

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In Summary:

If you are approved, you get your full benefit amount, based on your past work and earnings.

60% disabled does not mean you get 60% of a Social Security check.

Social Security doesn’t use disability percentages at all.