2019 will bring about some highly anticipated increases in benefits to both Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability recipients.
Beginning January 1st, all beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% cost of living raise (COLA). This means that monthly payments, whether a person receives Supplemental Social Security benefits, Social Security Disability benefits, or regular SSI retirement income, will increase. For example, if a person receives a check on the first of every month for $1,000, that amount will be increase to $1,028.
In addition to a COLA raise, the Social Security Administration has allowed for an increase in allowable Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for disability recipients. For non-blind claimant’s, the SGA level will increase from $1,180 to $1,220 per month. For blind claimants, that amount will increase from $1,970 per month to $2,040 per month. This means that a person who draws Social Security Disability benefits will be allowed to work for pay while still drawing those benefits, as long as the compensation for work does not exceed the SGA level. For questions regarding how this can affect the amount of benefits received from SSA, consult with a Social Security Disability attorney. It is not recommended that a disability claimant perform any type of work without a full understanding of definite and possible repercussions.
Other changes to 2019 income amounts can be found here. As stated above, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney before making any changes to household income if anyone in your home receives Social Security benefits of any kind. There are circumstances in which benefits may be decreased or ceased completely when program requirements are no longer met.