Social Security recipients will be receiving a 2.8% cost of living adjustment in 2019. It is the largest increase in seven years. In terms of dollars, the average Social Security benefit should rise by $39 a month to $1,461 per month in 2019. For a retired couple, the average social security benefit will rise by about $67 a month to $2,448. The increase impacts both those on Social Security Retirement and Social Security Disability (SSD).
With the COLA announcement also came changes to SSD/SSI related thresholds and amounts. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amounts have increased for 2019. SGA is the monthly earnings an individual can earn up to each month and still be potentially eligible for SSD benefits. The amount will increase in 2019 to $1,220 per month and $2,040 per month for the blind. That means that if an individual makes under these specified amounts, they may still be eligible for disability. If an individual makes over those amounts, then they are not eligible for disability, regardless of medical condition. If a person meets those SGA eligibility requirements, then they must still meet social security’s definition of disability for medical conditions.
The Social Security Administration also increased maximum allotments for those on Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI). The maximum monthly benefit will rise from $770 per month in 2018 to $771 per month in 2019. SSI is a needs based program and there is a resource limit to be eligible for SSI. An individual can’t have more than $2000 in assets and a couple can’t have more than $3000 in assets. Those amounts are unchanged in 2019.
If you, a family member, or friend have been denied Social Security Disability or need to apply for Social Security Disability, call Mooney Law today for a FREE consultation. We not only represent those who are denied SSD, but we also assist with SSD applications. Call today at 717-200-HELP.
