What Changes Are Coming For SSDI In 2022?

In October the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) was announced for 2022. With the new year quickly approaching, the changes to the COLA will begin to take effect. These changes will impact Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. There will be new earning limits, increases for monthly payments, and more.

SSDI Changes For 2022

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits are available for disabled workers who meet Social Security’s qualification requirements. Whether you are a current SSDI beneficiary, or planning to apply, you should keep up to date with any changes that occur with the program- As these changes could impact your eligibility.

COLA Increase

The 2022 COLA is 5.9%. This is the highest adjustment we have seen since 1982. Due to this increase, there will be an increase in the amount of monthly payments for all Social Security beneficiaries.

See: Why is the 2022 COLA adjustment so high?

Individuals receiving SSDI benefits will see an increase of nearly $80 to their monthly payments in 2022. The average SSDI payment in 2021 for one individual is $1,282. In 2022 this will increase to $1,358.

Individuals with dependents (Spouse and one or more children) will see an increase of $133 to their payments in 2022. In 2021, average SSDI payment for a disabled worker with dependents is $2,250. This will increase to $2,383 in 2022.

These listed amounts are only the average benefit payments. The amount that you receive for SSDI benefits varies as it is based on your prior earnings. If you are not yet receiving SSDI benefits and you want to know how much you may earn, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a free benefits calculator.

Substantial Gainful Activity

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is how the SSA determines if you are working above a certain level. The SGA for 2021 is $1,310. Those working and earning more than this amount will not qualify for SSDI benefits.

For 2022, the SGA is increasing to $1,350. The same rules for 2022 apply, those who work and earn more than $1,350 will not qualify for SSDI.

Trial Work Period

The Trial Work Period (TWP) is a nine month span when the SSA allows disabled workers to test out returning to work. During this period, the individual is still considered disabled and is still able to collect benefits. The SSA takes the amount of earnings you make in a month (before taxes) to determine if that month counts toward one of the nine months in your TWP.

In 2021, any month that you earn $940 counts towards your TWP. Next year, this amount is increasing by $30. For 2022, a month when a disabled worker earns more than $970 in a month (before taxes) counts towards their TWP.

Medicare

Beneficiaries that have been receiving SSDI for more than 24 months are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

For Medicare Part B, recipients will see an increase in cost for the new year. In 2021, Medicare Part B’s monthly premium is $148.50. In 2022, this will increase by 14.5%. The monthly premium starting next year will be $170.10, however this cost could be higher depending on your income.

Interested in Filing a Claim?

Hiring an attorney is one way to increase the odds of a successful claim. Studies have shown that you are twice as likely to win SSDI benefits if you have legal representation.

See: Why should I hire an attorney for my disability claim?

Victory Disability is a nationwide law firm that specializes in helping claimants get the benefits they have earned and deserve. There is no fee unless we win. To start your claim today, call our offices at 1 (866) 350-7229.