2025 SSDI & SSI Updates

The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes yearly adjustments to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Staying informed about these changes can help you plan ahead and maximize your benefits. In 2025, several updates will impact benefit amounts, eligibility requirements, and administrative processes. Here’s what you need to know.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase

Each year, the SSA adjusts benefits to account for inflation. In 2025, SSDI and SSI recipients can expect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, ensuring their payments keep pace with rising living expenses. The COLA percentage is determined based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

The COLA for 2025 is set at 3.2%, providing a modest boost to monthly benefits. This adjustment ensures that SSDI and SSI recipients maintain their purchasing power despite inflation.

Why this matters: A higher COLA means larger monthly checks for recipients. If you rely on SSDI or SSI, understanding how this adjustment impacts your income can help you better manage expenses.

Eligibility Thresholds for 2025

Income and asset limits for SSI will also change in 2025, allowing more people to qualify for benefits.

• SSI Resource Limits: The SSA is reviewing proposals to increase the asset limit for SSI recipients, which would allow individuals to save more without losing eligibility.

  • For the first time in decades, the SSI asset limit has been raised to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples, allowing more people to qualify for benefits without losing eligibility due to modest savings.

• SSDI Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits: If you receive SSDI but still want to work, the SSA has increased the income limit for Substantial Gainful Activity. This allows recipients to earn more while maintaining their benefits.

  • The SGA threshold, which determines whether a disabled individual is earning too much to qualify for benefits, has increased to $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals in 2025.

These changes are essential for individuals who rely on disability benefits but also wish to explore part-time work opportunities.

Faster Online Application Process

The SSA is working to streamline the application process for SSI and SSDI through an improved online system. In 2025, more applicants will have access to a simplified online application, reducing paperwork and wait times.

Why this matters: Faster applications mean quicker access to benefits. Green and Greenberg stays up-to-date with these changes to help clients navigate the process efficiently.

Medical Review and Appeals Process Updates

For those applying for benefits or going through the appeals process, the SSA has introduced procedural changes to speed up Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) and appeals hearings.

• Faster Processing for Initial Applications: The SSA aims to reduce the backlog of disability claims.
• Virtual Hearings Expansion: More disability appeals can now be conducted remotely, making it easier for claimants to present their cases without traveling.

If your claim has been denied, Green and Greenberg’s legal team can help you file an appeal and represent you in hearings.

How Green and Greenberg Can Help

At Green and Greenberg, we stay updated on the latest Social Security changes so you don’t have to. Our team is ready to:

• Help you apply for SSDI or SSI under the new 2025 guidelines.
• Ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible after COLA adjustments.
• Assist with appeals if your claim was denied.
• Guide you through medical reviews and eligibility changes.

Changes in Social Security benefits can be complex, but you don’t have to figure them out alone. Green and Greenberg is here to provide expert legal assistance and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the evolving Social Security landscape.