People who are currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) need to stay informed about changes to their benefits. As the end of the year quickly approaches, here’s an overview of the changes you should expect to see in 2020:
SSI and SSDI Benefits Will Increase
The Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts SSI and SSDI benefits every year to account for the increase of the cost of living. Recently, the SSA announced that benefits will increase by 1.6% in 2020. This cost-of-living-adjustment is small compared to last year’s increase, which was 2.8%.
The 1.6% increase brings the maximum SSI monthly payment up to $783 for an individual and $1,175 for a couple. The average SSDI recipient currently receives $1,234 per month, which means the average monthly payment will increase to about $1,254.
The increase will take effect on December 31, 2019 for people who currently receive SSI benefits. However, the increase will not take effect until January 2020 for people who currently receive SSDI benefits.
Changes to Monthly Income Limits
Disabled individuals can lose their benefits if their monthly income is over the limit set by the SSA. Like the monthly benefits, this income limit is adjusted every year to account for cost of living changes. In 2019, the limits were $1,220 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,040 for blind individuals. This means a non-blind individual could continue to receive benefits as long as his income was below $1,220, and a blind individual could continue to receive benefits as long as his income was below $2,040.
These monthly income limits will increase in 2020. Starting in January, the monthly income limit for non-blind individuals receiving SSDI benefits is $1,260 and the monthly income limit for blind individuals is $2,110.
Work Credit Increase
You will need to earn a certain number of work credits in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. The number you need to earn can vary, but most disabled individuals will qualify with 40 work credits. In 2019, workers could receive one work credit for every $1,360 they earned in income, with a maximum of four credits per year. But starting in 2020, workers will need to earn $1,410 to receive one work credit. This means it will be slightly harder to acquire the work credits you need to qualify for SSDI benefits.
If you are unable to work due to a disability, seek legal representation from Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. right away. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless individuals obtain disability benefits. Let us lead the fight for the benefits you deserve. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.