SSDI Updates

If you rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), September brought several changes and deadlines worth your attention. Below, we break down what’s new, what’s coming next, and how these updates affect beneficiaries in Massachusetts and across the United States. As always, if you have questions about eligibility, denials, appeals, or overpayment notices, we at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers are here to help at (617) 777-7777.

The Big One: Electronic-Only Payments Deadline (September 30)

Federal benefits, including SSDI, are moving away from paper checks. September 30 marks the cut-off for beneficiaries who still receive a physical check to switch to an electronic option. This is designed to reduce the loss or theft of checks, expedite delivery, and lower administrative costs.

Several updates to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are set to take effect in 2025, impacting beneficiaries and applicants alike. Our law firm provides an overview of the key changes:

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): SSDI benefits will increase by 2.5% in 2025, reflecting the annual COLA designed to offset inflation. This adjustment raises the average SSDI benefit to approximately $1,580, with the maximum benefit reaching $4,018 monthly.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Thresholds: In 2025, the SGA thresholds, which determine the maximum earnings allowed while maintaining SSDI eligibility, will rise. For non-blind individuals, the SGA limit increases from $1,550 to $1,620 per month, and for blind individuals, it rises from $2,590 to $2,700 per month.