SSDI Increase 2024: Expected Changes in Payments
With the global increase in the prices of goods, including in the USA, many Americans, especially those with low incomes, worry about managing the impact. Fortunately, Social Security adjusts payment levels annually to shield recipients from rising costs through the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This ensures that SSDI benefits in 2024 will adequately cover living expenses amid inflation. Changes are indeed coming to SSDI in 2024, so it’s essential to discover what the new benefits entail.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced a 3.2 percent increase in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments each month for 2024. This COLA adjustment will take effect by January 2024 for Social Security recipients and on December 29, 2023, for SSI users. Explore the details of the SSDI Increase in 2024, along with the anticipated changes and expected growth in SSDI Payments for the upcoming year.
SSDI 2024 Payment Increase
The Social Security Administration has released the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2024, showing a modest increase compared to the substantial raises of 5.9 percent and 8.7 percent in the previous year. The significant increases in the prior year, the largest since the early 1980s, were a response to inflation. Despite the 2024 COLA being noticeably lower, at 3.2 percent, Social Security beneficiaries will still receive an adjustment to help cope with rising living expenses.
Even though this 3.2 percent COLA is a decrease from the nearly four-decade highs of the previous year, it remains higher than the average of the past 20 years, which stood at 2.6 percent. The calculation of this annual adjustment is based on inflation statistics from August through October.
SSDI Increase 2024: Overview of Changes
Post Title | SSDI Increase 2024 |
Benefit Name | Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) |
Nodal Agency | Social Security Administration |
Category | Government Aid |
Country | United States of America |
Increase in 2024 | 3.2% |
Official Website | ssa.gov |
Understanding SSDI
In the USA, individuals with disabilities can receive payments through the federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, irrespective of their assets. However, certain criteria must still be met for eligibility. For instance, applicants must demonstrate that their disability meets the criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration.
SSDI Benefits on the Rise in 2024
In 2024, the maximum SSI payout is set to increase from $914 to $943 per month. For SSI recipients with a qualifying spouse, the maximum monthly payout will be $1,415, up from $1,371 per month. While this reflects a notable 3.2 percent increase, it is lower compared to the over 9 percent growth seen in 2023.
More than 11% of all U.S. Social Security claimants receive SSDI, as these benefits are funded by payroll taxes allocated to specific Social Security trust funds, resembling retirement benefits. Eligibility and benefit levels are directly influenced by the worker’s past earnings history.
Becoming Eligible for SSDI: Requirements and Process
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for evaluating eligibility for benefits. Social Security officials review disability benefit applications submitted online, by mail, over the phone, or in person. In addition to non-medical information such as age, work history, marital status, and Social Security coverage, they assess the applicant’s impairment, sources of treatment, and other details related to the disability.
Upon obtaining a disability determination, the SSA calculates the benefit amount and initiates the payment process. If it is determined that the individual is not disabled, the case file is kept at the field office in case the claimant decides to contest the decision.
SSDI 2024 Work Earnings Limits
Moreover, the COLA brings about changes to the criteria for receiving Social Security disability payments in 2024. The updated eligibility requirements allow applicants and recipients to engage in a higher number of work hours while remaining eligible for payments.
Under the new guidelines, the threshold for substantial gainful work required to qualify for Social Security disability payments is set at $1,550 per month. During a trial work period, individuals can earn up to $1,110 per month from employment and still receive disability benefits.