Why is it that I only get $900 on disability when I paid more taxes than that?

Question

I worked as a bus driver for 2 years and getting paid $2200 gross income a month.. and after I became disabled the social security only pays me $900 a month for disability and gives me health insurance.. so I went from having a decent life to living in poverty.... why aren't they able to pay me $2200 a month instead to keep me where I was?

Answer 1

If you were paid your former salary for the rest of your life after only two years of work, that would be a tremendous burden on the taxpayers. If you were still working, it might have meant half of your pay went into the disability fund. Would you have thought that was fair?

Answer 2

If you grossed $2200 a month for 2 years, the tax you paid into social security was $4039.20 - counting your employer's matching amount, that would total $8078.40 paid in by you or on your behalf. You'll have that back in a little over 9 months, and then will continue to collect.

Answer 3

if people were paid their same salary what incentive would they have to get better an go back to work

Answer 4

It was intended to be a base. over that, you were expected to take care of yourself.