Good news is afoot for recipients of Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income. Payments for Social Security disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will increase by some next year. The increase is due to a cost of living adjustment that is mandated by law. The cost of living adjustment is due to inflation. The Social Security Administration recently announced the 2.8 percent increase for the upcoming year.
The increase will go into effect the last day of the year. It will impact the 8 million recipients of Supplemental Security Income and the 62 million who receive various social Security benefits. For those receiving SSI benefits, the maximum federal benefit will increase from $750 to $771. Couples who are receiving SSI benefits will see an increase in their benefits from $1,125 to $1,157. The increase is the largest since 2012 and is more than the increase from last year.
When facing a disability, determining benefits eligibility is an important part of the process to help disabled individuals obtain the benefits they need including Social Security disability benefits. SSD benefits are based on the disabled individual’s medical condition and work history. If the disabled individual does not have the necessary work history other options, such as Supplemental Security Income, may be available. To qualify for SSD benefits the applicant must suffer from a medical condition that is severe enough to cause disability that prevents them from working and is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death.
Disability benefits can be important for the day-to-day struggles that disabled individuals face. As a result, it is necessary that both they and their families understand the disability options available to them, how to qualify and how to apply.