Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers Blog
At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to keeping our clients and the community informed about significant changes to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. July and early August 2025 brought two significant developments that could have a substantial impact on current and future recipients. These changes include an expansion of the Compassionate Allowances list, which streamlines disability approvals, and a new overpayment recovery policy that could reduce monthly benefits by up to half for some recipients.
If you have questions about how these changes might affect your benefits, speaking with a knowledgeable social security disability lawyer can be invaluable. Our team can guide you through the application or appeals process, ensuring your rights and benefits are fully protected.
Faster Approvals Through Expanded Compassionate Allowances
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 13 new severe medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, bringing the total to 300. This program is designed to expedite disability determinations for individuals with certain severe illnesses or impairments. When a condition is listed, the application is flagged for accelerated processing, thereby bypassing much of the standard review process. This change is critical because SSDI applicants often face lengthy waits, sometimes exceeding 200 days, for decisions, during which time they may have little to no income. By expanding the list, the SSA aims to reduce wait times for people who are already facing life-altering diagnoses. For many, this means financial relief can arrive months earlier, allowing them to focus on treatment and care rather than paperwork and appeals.
Who Benefits Most From the Change
Individuals with newly added conditions will automatically be considered under the expedited process, provided their medical documentation is complete and accurate. This could include both SSDI and SSI applicants. For families and individuals dealing with these illnesses, the reduction in wait time can be the difference between maintaining stability and facing severe financial hardship. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we understand the importance of every day when you are waiting for a decision, and we view this as a positive and necessary improvement in the disability claims process.
New Overpayment Recoupment Rules Begin
In late July, the SSA began implementing a new policy for recovering overpayments. For beneficiaries who have been overpaid, the agency can now withhold up to 50% of their monthly benefits until the overpayment is recovered. This is a significant increase from prior practices, and it has the potential to cause financial strain for individuals who rely on their benefits to cover basic living expenses. Overpayments occur when the SSA determines that a recipient has received more benefits than they were entitled to, often due to unreported income changes, eligibility errors, or administrative mistakes.
What Recipients Can Do If They Are Affected
If you receive notice of an overpayment, you have options. You may request a waiver if the overpayment was not your fault and you are unable to afford repayment. You can also negotiate a repayment plan to reduce the amount withheld each month. The SSA provided a 90-day grace period from the initial announcement to allow beneficiaries time to respond; however, with the policy now in effect, prompt action is critical to protect your financial stability. Our firm advises beneficiaries to carefully review any overpayment notices, keep copies of all communications, and seek legal guidance before agreeing to repayment terms.
Retroactive Benefit Boosts for Some Recipients
While some individuals are facing higher withholding rates, others are benefiting from recent legislative changes under the Social Security Fairness Act. This law eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which had reduced benefits for millions of public-sector retirees. As a result, some beneficiaries are receiving retroactive payments averaging thousands of dollars. These payments have provided a welcome financial boost for many who were previously penalized under WEP and GPO rules.
What These Changes Mean for Claimants
The recent SSDI updates highlight two contrasting trends. On the one hand, the SSA is working to expedite benefits to those with the most severe conditions, which can be life-changing for affected families. On the other hand, the stricter overpayment recovery rules may create new hardships for some beneficiaries. Understanding your rights, knowing the timelines, and acting quickly are key to navigating these changes.
At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we believe that disability benefits are a vital lifeline for individuals unable to work due to illness or injury, and we are dedicated to protecting the rights of claimants. Whether you are applying for SSDI, facing an overpayment notice, or wondering if recent changes could affect your benefits, our experienced legal team is here to help you through the process. If you have questions or need assistance with your claim, please get in touch with us through our online contact form or call us at 617-777-7777 today to schedule a consultation.