New changes to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can have a significant impact on your benefits. These updates may affect everything from your monthly payment amount to the qualifying standards that determine who receives benefits.
If you are concerned about the new 2025 SSDI rules, we have assembled a guide that you can use to help you navigate these changes. When you know about these changes, you can prepare your application with a better understanding of your benefits.
At Sigman Janssen, our Appleton Social Security Disability lawyers are committed to helping applicants apply for disability benefits, something we have been doing for decades. If you have any questions about your application and what the new SSDI rules mean for you, please do not hesitate to seek help. Our firm also assists those who have already applied and have been rejected.
Request your FREE case review today. No upfront costs: (920) 335-1394
Will SSDI Payments Increase in 2025?
Yes, Social Security Disability will be increased in 2025. This annual adjustment is known as the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and it helps ensure that disability benefits maintain their purchasing power against inflation.
Social security beneficiaries received a 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase in January 2025. Because of this change, people will now pay Social Security taxes on income up to $176,100 instead of the previous limit of $168,600. Families currently receiving SSDI benefits should see a larger average payment of about $2,800 in 2025.
What Are the New SSDI Application and Medical Requirements for 2025?
The Social Security Administration is making significant changes to the disability application process in 2025, designed to reduce barriers for Wisconsin applicants.
One of the changes is that the SSA will finally extend online application to all SSI applicants by late 2025, eliminating mandatory in-person interviews. Application forms will be dramatically simplified from 54 questions to just 12 essential questions, using clearer language that reduces confusion and application errors.
A new fast-track evaluation process will add 12 new qualifying conditions to the Compassionate Allowance program for those with severe conditions. This will enable approvals within days instead of months for clearly verifiable disabilities.
Changes to Substantial Gainful Activity: How Much Can I Work in 2025?
The Social Security Administration is increasing work limits for disability recipients in 2025. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind individuals rises to $1,620 monthly, while blind individuals can earn up to $2,700 monthly without losing benefits.
These higher limits give recipients more flexibility to supplement their benefits with part-time work. However, accurate reporting of all earnings remains essential, as exceeding these thresholds could trigger a review of your disability status.
Will It Take Longer to Get a Decision for My SSDI Claim?
SSDI processing should speed up in 2025. The Social Security Administration’s new digital claims system aims to reduce initial decisions by up to 45 days through automation and streamlined processing.
If you have a condition on the expanded Compassionate Allowances list, you may receive a decision within 10 to 14 days instead of months. Applicants benefit from Wisconsin’s relatively efficient processing times, as the Milwaukee office ranks in the top third nationally for processing speed.
An experienced disability attorney significantly increases your chances of first-round approval, helping you avoid the lengthy appeals process that can add 12 to 18 months to your wait time.
Understanding the 2025 SSDI Payment Schedule Changes
The Social Security Administration has improved how disability recipients receive benefit information for 2025. New simplified COLA notices will clearly display exact payment amounts and deposit dates for the entire year, eliminating the need to calculate your own benefit increases.
SSDI recipients can access their complete payment schedule through my Social Security account Message Center, providing instant access to their personalized 2025 payment calendar. Direct deposit remains the fastest payment option, with funds typically available on the same day as scheduled.
The payment schedule continues to be based on birth dates, with payments arriving on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month. Keep your contact information updated and consider setting up a direct deposit to avoid payment delays.
What Happens if My SSDI Claim Is Denied in 2025?
If you receive a denial letter for your disability claim in 2025, you still have multiple opportunities to appeal the decision. The four-level appeals process in 2025 may help you get approved after you have been denied.
The SSA’s appeals process maintains its four-level structure in 2025, but with several important updates. The first level, reconsideration, now features a completely different examiner reviewing your case digitally rather than simply rechecking the original examiner’s work. This improves your chances of approval without proceeding to a hearing.
If your case goes to the next level, the Appeals Council now uses a faster review process that looks mainly for procedural mistakes. This change has helped cut the average wait by about 30 percent compared to previous years.
How Appleton SSDI Lawyers Protect Your Benefits
At Sigman Janssen, our experienced SSDI benefits lawyers in Appleton are prepared to guide you throughout the application process and protect your legal rights. There is no need to navigate the complex process of filing an SSDI application on your own.
Not sure where to start? Contact our law office today for a free consultation and answers to your questions. We are here to help you.
Speak to one of our attorneys for legal assistance: (920) 335-1394.