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What Changes Were Made to Social Security Disability This Year?

The Social Security Administration made a few changes to Social Security disability benefits for 2021. It is not uncommon to see cost of living increases in most years, and it is best to stay informed of any and all changes. People need to verify that their benefits are correct and that they do not run afoul of any new laws.


This article will discuss the changes to Social Security disability for 2021. This discussion encompasses changes to both Social Security Insurance (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). We will discuss increases in cost of living, allowed earnings, and increases in allowed earnings for a trial work period.   


If, after reading this article, you have more questions about your own circumstances, then social security disability lawyers in Jacksonville at RITE Law are here to help. At RITE Law, we have a group of social security disability lawyers in Jacksonville who have your best interests at heart, and who have the training and resources to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so call today.


1. Cost of Living Increase.


The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 1.3% cost of living increase for SSI recipients for 2021. Unfortunately, this is the second smallest increase in history. However, this is still good news for all recipients, because there are years where people see no increase in cost of living allowances. 


The 2021 cost of living increase equals out to a $10 increase in each check for single people, with their monthly payments now at $794. For people who receive SSI and have an eligible spouse, this means a $15 increase for a new monthly disability payment of $1,191. As always, this amount will be reduced by any countable income you have. If you do not think that you are getting the correct amount of SSI or that the SSA is incorrectly claiming that you have other countable income, contact Social Security disability lawyers in Jacksonville for help.


2. Increase in Allowed Earnings.


People who apply for and receive SSDI and SSI are not allowed to earn income above a specified amount or else they will not qualify for disability benefits. The increase in allowed income means that applicants have to be making less than $1,310 per month in order to quality for either SSDI or SSI. This is a $50 increase from 2020, where the allowed income was $1,260. If the applicant is blind, they can have an income of $2,190 in order to qualify. In 2020, this amount was $2,110, so blind recipients received an $80 increase in allowed earnings.


The SSA sets these income limits as a cutoff point for determining when someone is able to work and support themselves. If someone earns income over the stated amounts, then they will not qualify for benefits. When applying for SSI or SSDI, an attorney can discuss with you any income you are able to earn and if it will keep you from receiving benefits. 


3. Changes to Allowed Income for Trial Work Period.


People who receive SSDI are able to participate in a Trial Work Period, which is an incentive for people to return to gainful employment if their disability improves. This way a person can return to work for up to 9 months and still receive benefits. For 2021, they raised the limit of the amount of money someone can earn before it counts toward the Trial Work Period to $940. It was $910 in 2020, a difference of $30. 


In sum, with a cost of living increase, an increase in allowed earnings, and changes to the Trial Work Period, there are some small, yet positive, changes for those who receive Social Security disability benefits. 


Contact Social Security Disability Lawyers in Jacksonville with Social Security Questions.


People who are unable to work should get the help they need. Someone who can’t work because of a disability can apply for social security disability benefits. A skilled attorney can help you through this process, and will give you much needed advice on how to proceed with your claim. Contact Social Security disability lawyers in Jacksonville to discuss your claim and your path to receiving benefits. 


At RITE Law, we started the firm for one reason – to help those in Florida and elsewhere have the resources of a firm that was “big enough to fight but small enough to care.” At Rudolph, Israel, Tucker & Ellis (RITE law), we have the resources and experience to go to trial when it is necessary, and we have the wisdom to advise you appropriately. 


Expect lots of attention, passionate representation, and a healthy disdain for big insurance companies. We believe that leads to the best result possible. Unlike larger firms, your case isn’t handed to a paralegal or assistant to do the heavy lifting. The attorney you meet initially is the one who will be by your side every step of the way. 


We also take pride in creating an atmosphere where every client is treated like family. Family members stick up for one another no matter what. You should expect nothing less from the RITE Law Florida personal injury lawyers in Jacksonville.


Without help from the RITE team, making a disability, workers’ compensation or personal injury claim can be very difficult. When you turn to our firm, we spring into action, making sure that every detail of your case is addressed. Call us for help. Our number is (904) 500-RITE or you can fill out our contact form online. We provide a free case evaluation , so feel free to call us today.


The information in this blog post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. You should not make a decision whether or not to contact an attorney based upon the information in this blog post. No attorney-client relationship is formed nor should any such relationship be implied. If you require legal advice, please consult with an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

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