by Lisa HollifieldWhat to Do If Your Disability Claim Is Denied
Do you know what to do if your disability claim is denied?
It’s important to prepare for this possibility: every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies many first-time claims. Knowing what to do can help you avoid a denial or appeal the decision as quickly as possible.
Keep reading to learn what to do if your claim is denied and how the appeals process works.
by Lisa HollifieldWhat Are the Changes to Social Security Disability in 2023?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made some important changes to SSDI in 2023, and our Cincinnati Social Security Disability lawyers are here to help you make sense of them!
In today’s post, we’re covering the changes to Social Security disability and what they might mean for you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Taxes Increased to Fund Social Security
The Social Security program is funded primarily by payroll taxes (a.k.a. taxes taken out of a person’s paycheck). SSA takes 6.2% from individuals and their employers each, or 12.4% from workers who are self-employed. However, there’s a limit to how much of a person’s wages are available to be taxed. This is called the “benefit base.”
In 2023, the benefit base increased from $147,000 to $160,200. This increase helps fund higher benefits for Social Security recipients.
Note that this change in taxes has to do with funding Social Security. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, this doesn’t apply to you. It doesn’t affect your monthly benefits.
Higher Benefits for SSDI Recipients
Each year, the SSA determines how much they should raise the benefits offered to disabled workers (if at all). This is called the “COLA,” or “Cost of Living Adjustment.” (We’ve written a previous blog post about how inflation affects Social Security here.)
Because the cost of living increases over time—thanks to inflation—SSDI benefits must also increase over time. After all, if the benefits didn’t increase, the same benefit amount would buy you less and less every year. (Think about how much more eggs cost than they used to, and you’ll understand why the SSA has to increase benefits.)
In the past several years, the COLA from the SSA has been historically high. That’s because we’ve experienced high inflation in the United States. In 2022, the COLA was 5.9 percent. At the time, it was the highest adjustment to benefits in 39 years.
For 2023, the adjustment is 8.7 percent: a new record! The adjustment is high this year because we continue to experience higher-than-normal inflation.
In 2022, the average SSDI payment was $1,364 per month. Thanks to the COLA increase, that amount is now $1,483—an increase of $119 per month and $1,428 per year.
If you already receive Social Security benefits, you should have noticed an increase in your monthly benefits beginning January 1, 2023. If you are thinking of applying for Social Security disability, it’s important to know what to expect!
Income Thresholds Raised for SSDI Recipients
To qualify for SSDI benefits, disabled workers must meet certain medical requirements and work requirements. (Our Cincinnati Social Security disability lawyers have written posts about both of these topics before. Be sure to check them out for more information!)
In addition, SSDI recipients must also meet the income threshold requirement. This requirement prohibits SSDI recipients from making more than a certain amount of money from “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA. (Substantial gainful activity is work that involves mental or physical activity that is intended for profit.) If you make more than this amount of money from SGA, the Social Security Administration will stop your benefits.
In 2023, the income threshold was raised.
- If you are blind, the threshold was raised from $2,260 to $2,460 per month.
- If you aren’t blind, the threshold was raised from $1,350 to $1,470 per month
- If you’re participating in the SSA’s Trial Work Period, the threshold increased from $970 to $1,050 per month.
Whether you already receive SSDI benefits or you’re thinking about applying for SSDI, it’s critical to understand these requirements. Make sure you contact a Social Security disability lawyer before starting a new job or even unpaid work—in case it causes you to lose out on benefits!
Need to Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer?
At Casper & Casper, we’re here for you.
Our Social Security disability lawyers are happy to answer your questions and guide you through the complex SSDI process. We can help—whether you have questions about SSDI, need help applying for benefits, or need to appeal your claim’s decision.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
by Lisa HollifieldAre Social Security Benefits Adjusted for Inflation?
Gas. Groceries. Home goods. Utilities. Inflation has recently gone up, up, and away—and consumers are certainly feeling the hit to their wallets. If you receive Social Security benefits, you’re probably worried: are your Social Security benefits adjusted for inflation?
Today, we’re tackling this important question. Keep reading to find out how inflation impacts Social Security and how much more you can expect on your SSDI benefits check.
by Lisa HollifieldWhat to Do If You’re Investigated for SSDI Fraud
The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes disability fraud seriously. They want to prevent people from scamming the system, so they can and do investigate people suspected of SSDI fraud.
When you’re making a claim for disability benefits, the prospect of being investigated is upsetting. Could you be investigated, even if you’ve done nothing wrong? What happens if you’re suspected of fraud?
Let’s dig into SSDI fraud: what it is, how investigations start, and what to do if you find yourself under investigation.
by Lisa HollifieldAre Social Security Disability Benefits Taxable?
The question of Social Security Disability Benefits and taxes is an important one. After all, no one wants to be in trouble with the IRS! What’s more, it’s always a good idea to understand how much you’ll take home.
Are your Social Security benefits taxable? The answer is: it depends! To learn everything you need to know about SSDI benefits and taxes, keep reading.
by Lisa HollifieldLong-Term Disability: What Does It Mean for Your Future?
Planning for the future is important. Most people already know that it’s a good idea to have a rainy-day fund or emergency fund—but what about long-term disability? If you develop a long-term disability during your working years, are you prepared?
Today, we’re discussing this very important topic. We’re covering why it’s important to plan for potential disability, what to include in your plan, and what your options are if you become disabled.
by Lisa HollifieldWhat Is the OASDI Tax, and How It Affects You
What is the OASDI tax? What does it mean for you?
Today, we’re exploring these commonly asked questions. It’s important to know the answers, especially if you are considering applying for Social Security Disability.
Keep reading to learn more!
by Lisa HollifieldCan I Get Social Security Disability for COVID-19?
People who experience long-lasting symptoms of COVID-19—called “long-haulers”—often face debilitating symptoms. The list of reported symptoms is long and includes things like fatigue, brain fog, chest pain, muscle and joint pain, sleep problems, dizziness, stomach problems, and more.
Because of these symptoms, long-haulers are finding it difficult or impossible to return to work. As a result, many have been attempting to file for Social Security Disability Insurance.
If you or a loved one are experiencing long COVID and considering SSDI, there are a few things you need to know. Today, we’re talking about this important issue in depth.
by Lisa HollifieldVA Disability and SSDI Requirements—Can I Get Both?
We get a few common questions from veterans and their families: when a veteran has a disability, is it possible to get both VA disability and SSDI? What are the requirements?
If you’re a veteran, or your loved one is a veteran, you’ll want to know the answer! This way, you don’t miss out on the benefits you’re owed for working and for serving our country.
Let’s talk about VA Disability and SSDI requirements.
by Lisa HollifieldWill Social Security Disability Look At Your Facebook Account?
Do you use social media? If you do, you’re certainly not alone! Most people use some form of social media, whether that’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or another platform.
Social media can be a good way to keep in touch with far-flung friends and family and to share things you care about. However, if you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits, social media can be a minefield.
Today, we’re sharing what you need to know about social media and SSDI: will Social Security Disability look at your Facebook account? What can you share, and what should you keep to yourself? Keep reading to find out.