I previously wrote about the 0.3 percent cost-of-living
adjustment (“COLA”) for both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income
(“SSI”) recipients for 2017. However, there are some other important numerical changes
that affect Social Security Disability and Supplement Security Income benefits.
Below are 4 changes
from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) for 2017 to keep in mind.
1.
The Substantial
Gainful Activity (“SGA”) rate has been raised to $1,170 for non-blind
individuals and $1,950 for blind individuals. This means that if you can earn
these amounts or more per month, you are not disabled under SSA’s
laws. Keep in mind these thresholds reflect gross (not net) earnings.
2.
SSA raised
the SSI Federal payment rate to $735 for an individual and $1,103 for a couple.
California supplements this benefit due to our high cost-of-living, but most
other states do not.
3.
A quarter of
coverage is now $1,300 for 2017. In order to receive SSDI benefits, you must be
insured for benefits by securing quarters of coverage. This means you must have
paid into the Social Security system through the Federal Insurance Contributions Act
(“FICA”). An individual must have worked a sufficient amount of quarters to be
entitled to these benefits. Every year a person can earn up to 4 quarters. This
means you must earn at least $5,200 for 2017 in order to obtain all 4 quarters
for the year.
4.
The trial
work period threshold for 2017 is $840. This number is important for those who
are undergoing their trial work period with SSA. Any month in which a person
earns $840 or more, counts as a month in which goods and services have been
performed in keeping with the trial work period limitations.
Got a question about SSDI or SSI that you
need us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to
provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to successfully
navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to email me
your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800)
459-3017 x 103.
