In 2025, recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will see an increase in monthly payments. Plus, there will be changes to some Social Security Administration (SSA) service offerings. Here are the key Social Security Disability changes for 2025.
SSDI is a federal program designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe, long-term disability. Funded through payroll taxes, SSDI serves as a vital safety net, ensuring that disabled workers and their families can maintain a basic standard of living despite their inability to earn a steady income.
The SSA has announced several key changes to SSDI for 2025. These updates include adjustments to benefit amounts, eligibility thresholds, and the payment schedule. In this article, our Florida Social Security Disability attorneys provide an overview of these changes and what you can expect in 2025.
Was your SSD claim denied or disputed? The Social Security Disability attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd specialize in helping Treasure Coast residents appeal denied disability claims. Call us for a free consultation at 866-930-6435.
Key Social Security Disability changes for 2025
H3: 1. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
The SSA implements an annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation. In 2025, there will be a 2.5% increase, reflecting inflation trends over the past year. This increase means higher monthly payments for SSDI beneficiaries:
- Average monthly payment: The average SSDI payment will rise from $1,542 to $1,580.
This adjustment provides critical financial relief as living expenses continue to rise.
2. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold
The SGA threshold determines how much SSDI beneficiaries can earn while still qualifying for benefits. In 2025, this threshold will increase:
- For non-blind individuals, the SGA rises from $1,550 to $1,620 per month.
- For blind individuals, the SGA increases from $2,590 to $2,700 per month.
These changes provide more flexibility for beneficiaries who want to work part-time without losing eligibility.
3. Trial Work Period (TWP) earnings limit
The Trial Work Period allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work without affecting their benefits. For 2025, the monthly earnings limit for TWP rises to $1,160, up from $1,110 in 2024. This increase offers more opportunities for beneficiaries to explore employment options.
4. Payment schedule updates
Starting in 2025, the SSA will implement a new payment schedule designed to simplify and streamline the distribution of benefits. Payments will now be issued based on the recipient’s birth date:
- Birth date 1st-10th: Payments issued on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
- Birth date 11th-20th: Payments issued on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
- Birth date 21st-31st: Payments issued on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
This adjustment aims to reduce administrative delays and ensure more predictable deposit dates for beneficiaries.
5. Resource limits for SSI beneficiaries
Although SSDI is not means-tested, many beneficiaries also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which has strict asset limits. For 2025, the resource limits for SSI will remain the same:
- Individual limit: $2,000
- Couples limit: $3,000
6. Medicare premium adjustments
Many SSDI beneficiaries are also enrolled in Medicare. For 2025, Medicare Part B premiums will rise slightly, with the standard premium increasing from $174.70 to $185. Beneficiaries receiving SSDI for at least two years remain eligible for Medicare, and the COLA adjustment will help offset this increase.
How to prepare for these changes
To maximize your benefits and adapt to the new changes:
- Review your payment schedule: Confirm which Wednesday you’ll receive payments under the new schedule.
- Monitor your earnings: If you’re working, ensure your income stays within the updated SGA limits to maintain eligibility.
- Update personal information: Ensure the SSA has your current address and bank details to avoid payment delays.
- Seek guidance: Consult a benefits counselor or social security disability attorney to understand how these changes may affect your specific situation.
The changes to Social Security Disability benefits in 2025 reflect the SSA’s ongoing efforts to adjust for economic realities and improve the system for beneficiaries. By staying informed and proactive, you can make the most of your benefits and ensure financial stability in the year ahead.
Was your SSD claim denied or disputed?
We can help. Call 866-930-6435 to start the appeals process.
If you’re filing a Social Security Disability (SSD) application for the first time or have been rejected and would like to appeal your case, we’re here to help.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our disability attorneys have decades of experience. We have the expertise to guide you through the process and increase your chances of being approved. We have helped thousands of disabled persons in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Okeechobee receive the benefits they deserve, and we can do the same for you.
Call 866-930-6435 to schedule your free consultation to start your appeals process.