How Much Are Disability Benefits in Minnesota?
Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
In Minnesota, about 130,000 residents rely on Social Security disability benefits. If you can’t work because of a medical condition, you may qualify for monthly financial support through federal programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Read on to learn how much you could receive in disability benefits in Minnesota and the specifics of these programs.
Should I apply for disability in Minnesota?
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and will last at least one year or result in death, you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Both SSDI and SSI require that you meet specific medical and financial criteria.
SSDI is for those with a sufficient work history, while SSI helps those with a financial need regardless of work history. Consider applying if your condition severely limits your ability to perform basic work activities.
How much does disability pay in Minnesota?
In 2024, the highest possible monthly payment you can receive through SSDI is $3,822. For SSI, the maximum monthly amount is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples.
In Minnesota, the average monthly SSDI payment is $1,771.09. SSI recipients in the state receive an average of $626.60 per month.
Beneficiaries also gain access to health care coverage: SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare, while those on SSI can receive Medicaid benefits.
How SSA calculates SSDI
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves your claim, it calculates your benefits using two main metrics:
Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME): Your past earnings, adjusted for changes in wage levels over time, determine this number.
Primary Insurance Amount (PIA): This is the base amount for your monthly disability benefit, derived from your AIME.
To learn more about these calculations or see an estimate of your potential SSDI benefits, you can create an account on the SSA's website.
How SSA calculates SSI
SSA will assess your financial need rather than your work history to determine SSI payments. Here's how the calculation works:
Federal benefit rate: In 2024, the base amount is $943 per month.
Countable income: The SSA subtracts any countable income you have, including other benefits you might receive (like food stamps), from the federal benefit rate.
Final payment: If your countable income is less than $943, you could receive the full benefit amount. However, any additional benefits or income will reduce your monthly SSI payment.
Estimate your disability benefit amount in just a few steps
We'll use the Social Security Administration's formula to estimate your monthly benefit.
Average
monthly check
$1,489
How much does a disability lawyer cost in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, disability lawyers typically don’t charge upfront fees. Instead, they operate on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully win your case.
Initial consultation: The process usually starts with a free consultation where you can discuss your case with a lawyer. If you decide to proceed, you'll enter into a contingency fee agreement, which the SSA must approve.
Contingency fee: Disability lawyer typically charge 25% of your first back pay (the benefits you accrue from the time you were eligible but had not yet received payments) check. There is a legal cap on this fee, with a maximum of $7,200. The actual fee depends on how much back pay you receive.
Federal appeals: In rare cases that progress to federal appeals, the fee structure changes and the 25% cap no longer applies. However, most disability claims do not reach this stage, and future benefits are not subject to any legal fees.
It's important to note that while most disability lawyers do not charge upfront fees, there are some exceptions. Be cautious of lawyers who might charge a retainer fee or additional fees for gathering medical records. Make sure you work with a reputable lawyer who follows the standard fee structure.
Get help applying for benefits in Minnesota
If you’re a Minnesotan seeking disability benefits, Atticus can help. Take our quick two-minute quiz to evaluate your eligibility, and one of our team members will follow up to gather more details about your situation.
We can connect you with a qualified disability lawyer who will guide you through the entire application process. With Atticus, there are no upfront costs—you only pay a one-time fee when your lawyer successfully secures your benefits. Working with a lawyer can significantly increase your chances of approval, ensuring you receive the support you need.
Frequently asked questions about benefits in Minnesota
What qualifies you for disability in Minnesota?
To qualify for disability you need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least a year. You’ll also need to meet certain work history requirements (for SSDI) or be within certain income limits (for SSI). For more on these requirements, read our full write up here.
What conditions qualify for disability in Minnesota?
Any condition that will prevent you from working for a year or more can qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and circulatory system diseases. See our full list of conditions that qualify here.
How long does it take to get approved for disability in Minnesota?
It takes an average of 6.1 months to get an initial disability decision in Minnesota. Most people who apply are initially rejected, and need to appeal this decision. If you appeal and go to a hearing, the process takes around two years on average. Read more: How Long It Takes to Get Approved for Disability Benefits
How much does disability pay in Minnesota?
The average SSDI payment in Minnesota is $1,350.71 per month. The average SSI payment is $636.69 per month. What you’ll earn is dependent on your income, or the amount you’ve historically paid into the Social Security program. Read more on what amount you can expect.
How should I prepare my disability application in Minnesota?
Answer the application questions truthfully, consistently, and succinctly. You should also ensure that you gather and submit all your medical records with your application. The SSA paperwork can be complicated, so our legal team has written a full guide to the application here.
Does Minnesota have a state disability program?
No, Minnesota does not have a state disability program. Only five states (California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) have a state program. Residents of Minnesota can apply for federal disability programs (SSDI and SSI). Read more about SSDI and SSI here.
Related resources:
Minnesota Disability Benefits
SSA Offices in Minnesota
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
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