Each year, the Social Security Administration makes changes to Social Security disability benefits. For example, each year there is a cost-of-living increase. There are also changes to income limits and modifications to Supplemental Security Income.

Sigman Janssen has compiled a helpful guide to the changes taking effect in 2024. It is important to stay updated on these changes because they affect eligibility for benefits and the amount of benefits you may receive.

Sigman Janssen has been helping people apply for disability benefits for decades. If you have applied and been rejected or you are considering starting an application, our Appleton Social Security Disability lawyers may be able to assist you. There are no upfront costs and we do not get paid unless you receive benefits.

Contact our firm today to discuss your application: (877) 888-5201.

What Is the Cost-of-Living Increase for 2024?

Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to disability and retirement benefits. The SSA monitors consumer prices and employee wages to determine how much monthly benefit payments will increase. The increase applies to all Social Security beneficiaries, including those receiving disability.

The goal of the annual COLA to Social Security benefits is to prevent inflation from chipping away at the purchasing power of those receiving benefits.

In 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will increase monthly benefit payments by 3.2 percent:

• The SSA is increasing the average monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit payment to $1,537. This is an increase of $48 from $1,489.
• The SSA is increasing the maximum benefit for individuals on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), from $914 to $943.
• The SSA is increasing the maximum (SSI) benefit for married couples to $1,415 per month from $1,371.
• The SSA is increasing payments to those with a disabled parent or spouse. Your benefits will go up from $2,636 to $2,720.

New Limits on Income For Disability Applicants

The COLA also increases income limits, which are the maximum amounts of money Social Security Disability recipients can earn from work and still be eligible for benefits.

Next year, those receiving benefits can earn up to $1,550 from work and still obtain disability benefits. This is an increase of $80 from 2023 when the cap was $1,470.

Disability benefit recipients who are blind can earn a maximum of $2,590 per month and still be eligible for benefits. This is an increase of $130 from the 2023 limit. However, this limit does not apply to Supplemental Security Income recipients who are blind.

Student-Earned Income Exclusion

There are different income limits for SSI recipients who are in secondary school, attending college, or receiving vocational or technical training. They can earn up to $2,290 per month without hurting their eligibility for benefits. This is an increase of $70 compared to 2023.

The maximum amount you can earn in one year and still be eligible for benefits under this exclusion is $9,230. This is an increase of $80 compared to 2023.

Are SSI Resource Limits Increasing in 2024?

SSI benefits are not the same as SSDI benefits. People who receive SSDI benefits have a substantial work history, allowing them to earn enough work credits to be eligible for benefits. SSI benefits are for individuals who do not have a significant work history or assets.

The Social Security Administration sets a cap on assets: $2,000 for individual SSI recipients and $3,000 for married couples, including couples with children.

These rules may make it seem like it would be hard to obtain benefits, but the Social Security Administration does not count certain things as assets, such as:

These assets do not hurt your ability to obtain SSI benefits.

Need Help Applying For Social Security Disability? Call Sigman Janssen Today

Do you need assistance applying for Social Security Disability?

The process can be more complicated than people realize and help from an experienced lawyer can be invaluable. At Sigman Janssen, we know how to help applicants compile a strong application, and we can represent you throughout the process.

Call today to learn more: (877) 888-5201. Free legal consultation.

It usually takes five to seven months for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to decide whether to approve or deny an application for disability benefits. This can be a particularly long time for those who are struggling financially because they cannot work because of their disability.

That is why the SSA offers temporary benefits for certain disabilities, otherwise known as presumptive disability and presumptive blindness payments. These benefits can provide financial assistance while an SSI applicant is waiting for a disability determination.

For help getting the benefits you need, reach out to Sigman Janssen today. An initial consultation comes at no cost or obligation to you. If your claim has merit, we charge zero upfront fees for our services. Our firm only receives payment for taking or working on a case if we help you get approved for disability benefits.

Free Case Review 24/7. Ph: (877) 888-5201

Presumptive Disability or Blindness Payments

Presumptive disability (PD) or presumptive blindness (PB) payments are available to those who are disabled or blind and meet all the SSA’s eligibility requirements for benefits. You may be able to receive up to six months of disability payments while your claim is being reviewed.

Eligibility for PD or PB payments will be based on multiple factors, including the severity of your condition and the likelihood your claim for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will be approved. It is important to note that these payments, however, are not based on financial need and are not available to those who are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

You can apply for presumptive disability when you apply for SSI. The SSA field office can make a presumptive disability determination. For some conditions, the office may need confirmation from a reliable source (doctor, social worker or school employee). Other cases will need approval from Disability Determination Services, the agency responsible for making all SSI decisions.

Conditions That May Qualify for Immediate Benefits

You may be able to obtain SSI benefits right away if you have at least one qualifying condition, such as:

In addition to having a qualifying condition, you need to have limited income and few assets in accordance with SSA standards to qualify for SSI payments.

How Payment Amounts Are Determined

PD or PB payment amounts will depend on your countable income. Multiple forms of income, such as earned, unearned, in-kind and deemed income may count toward the SSI limit. If you earn more than the maximum monthly amount, you will likely not be eligible for SSI.

How Do PD or PB Payments End?

PD or PB benefits can last for up to six months but will end as soon as the SSA decides whether to approve or deny your claim for SSI. If you are waiting for a decision after six months, these payments will still end.

Must I Repay These Payments If Denied SSI?

If it is later determined that you are not eligible for SSI, you do not have to repay PD or PB payments. The only exception is if you receive an overpayment, perhaps due to an error in your countable income. You will then be responsible for paying back any extra funds to the SSA.

Contact an Experienced Lawyer at Sigman Janssen

Sigman Janssen has helped many applicants obtain disability benefits. We are prepared to assist during the claims process or appeal a decision on your behalf. Reach out to our firm to set up a consultation with an experienced Appleton-based Social Security Disability lawyer.

This initial meeting is free and requires no obligation on your part. We charge no upfront fees to take or work on a case and only get paid if we help obtain benefits on your behalf.

Have a Question? Ph: (877) 888-5201