Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at information about consumer prices and adjusts Social Security disability (SSD) and retirement benefits to keep pace. It’s that time of year again, and the SSA will increase benefits by 2.5% for 2025. Here’s how the SSA determines the increase and why the 2025 cost of living adjustment (COLA) is lower than the boost Social Security and SSD recipients have seen in the past few years.
How the Social Security / SSD COLA is Determined
The Social Security Act sets forth the method for determining the annual COLA for Social Security retirement and SSD benefits. The SSA looks at the year-over-year increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
Inflation in the United States has cooled down significantly over the past year, so the year-over-year increase in late 2024 was significantly smaller than it’s been in recent years. In the past few years, SSD recipients have seen unusually high increases:
In 2022, the COLA for Social Security benefits was 5.9%
In 2023, the COLA for Social Security benefits was 8.7%
In 2024, the COLA for Social Security benefits dropped to 3.2% but was still above the average increase
If you’re a relatively new SSD recipient, this year’s 2.5% COLA might seem unusually low. It’s very close to the average annual increase of 2.6%. Since the COLA is percentage-based, the dollar amount of your 2025 increase will vary depending on the amount of your monthly benefits.
Other Annual Adjustments
The SSA makes other adjustments at the same time as the COLA. One of those is in the amount of income that is subject to withholding for Social Security. This year, that cap is increasing from $168,600/year to $176,100/year.
The amount of monthly income the SSA considers “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) is also increasing, from $1,550 to $1,620. The cut-off for blind applicants will increase from $2,590 to $2,700.
Help for SSD Applicants
SSD can be a lifeline for people who are no longer able to earn a living due to medical problems.Unfortunately, most SSD claims are denied. Whether you are just preparing to apply or have been denied SSD benefits and want to appeal, Disability Help Group is here for you. Our experienced advocates understand the processes and how the SSA assesses claims. We can help you put together the strongest claim package or appeal possible. To learn more, call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
Can I Receive SSD for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?
A disabled worker can receive Social Security disability (SSD) benefits for any medical condition as long as they have sufficient work credits and are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to their medical condition. However, establishing that the applicant meets the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled” is more straightforward in some situations than others. Proving that you are disabled by reflex sympathetic dystrophy can be challenging for two reasons: the condition isn’t listed in the Social Security Blue Book and there’s no clear, objective test for pain.
Working with an experienced disability benefits advocate from the beginning can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure that you are providing the type of evidence the SSA will be looking for.
What is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) is a painful condition that occurs when the sympathetic nervous system responds abnormally. The condition is also known as complex regional pain syndrome. Common symptoms include:
Burning or aching pain in extremities
Skin sensitivity
Changes in skin, hair, and fingernails
Stiffness and/or muscle spasms
RSDS can be triggered by a heart attack, stroke, surgery, or other trauma to the body.
SSD Eligibility for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome
Though RSDS isn’t specifically listed in the Social Security Blue Book, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does provide guidance on how to evaluate the condition. To establish the presence of the condition, the applicant must show a history of persistent complaints of pain that is out of proportion to other documented causes, along with at least one of the following:
Swelling in the affected area
Changes in skin color, texture, temperature, presence of gooseflesh or other autonomic instability in the affected area
Abnormal hair and/or nail growth
Osteoporosis
Involuntary movements in the affected area
Of course, once the presence of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome is established, the applicant must still demonstrate that the condition prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. That can be a challenge, since pain is subjective and information about it relies in large part on reports from the applicant.
An experienced disability benefits advocate can explain what types of evidence are most effective in establishing a claim for a condition like RSDS that does not have clear objective measures of impairment. To learn more, call Disability Help Group today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
Like most medical injuries and conditions, amputations may or may not qualify a worker for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. The determination will hinge on:
Whether the applicant has collected sufficient work credits, including sufficient recent work credits, and
Whether the applicant is considered disabled under the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition
The number of work credits and recent work credits required depends on the age at which the disability began.
When Does Amputation Meet the SSA Definition of Disability?
There are two ways to meet the SSA standard for disability. The first is to meet or equal a listing in the Social Security Blue Book. Amputations are covered by section 1.20 of the Blue Book. A person may be deemed disabled due to amputations in any of the following four situations:
Amputation of both upper extremities at or above the wrist, OR
Hemi-pelvectomy or hip disarticulation, OR
Amputation of one upper extremity at or above the wrist AND amputation of one lower extremity at or above the ankle, but only if one of the following applies:
Need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled or seated mobility device involving the use of both hands, OR
Need for a one-handed, hand-held assistive device requiring the use of the other upper extremity or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of one hand, OR
Inability to use the remaining upper extremity to perform work involving fine and gross motor movements, OR
Amputation of one or both lower extremities at or above the ankle with complications of the residual limb lasting at least 12 months AND
Inability to use prosthetics, AND
Need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled or seated mobility device involving the use of both hands
The second way to qualify is to show that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity through a grid evaluation that takes into account your age, work experience, and educational level. For example, if your ability to do physical labor is limited, you will be more likely to be considered disabled if you are older and you don’t have skills from past work experience that are transferable to lighter work. On the other hand, if you’re younger and have education or skilled work experience that could be transferred to roles you are physically able to perform, you will probably not be considered disabled.
Submit the Strongest SSD Application Possible
Unfortunately, most SSD applications are initially denied. Working with an experienced SSD benefits advocate, whether you’re filing a claim based on amputations or other disabilities, can help ensure that you submit the strongest application possible. If you’ve already been denied, we can help with that, too–but time is limited, so contact us right away. Call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits (SSD) for carpal tunnel syndrome or any other condition, the applicant must meet certain criteria. These include:
Having accrued sufficient work credits and recent work credits to be eligible for SSD benefits, and
Meeting the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled” due to a medical condition or combination of medical conditions, and
That disability has lasted or is expected to be terminal or last for at least 12 months
Here’s what you need to know about establishing that you are disabled by carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms may include pain in the hand, wrist, or fingers, numbness and tingling, weakness in the hand, and sometimes pain and/or numbness traveling up the arm. These symptoms are typically progressive if the condition is untreated, meaning that they tend to get worse as the person continues to engage in the activities that put pressure on the nerve.
Most Disability Due to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Temporary
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated in a variety of ways, including with rest, medication, adjustment of working position or processes, or wrist braces. However, sometimes surgery is required. And, if the condition is left untreated, the damage may become permanent.
For most people, SSD benefits aren’t the first resource for impairment due to carpal tunnel syndrome. In part that’s because most cases of carpal tunnel don’t result in long-term disability. And, carpal tunnel syndrome is often work-related, which means workers’ compensation benefits will typically cover medical care and replacement income during the period of disability. Private or employer-provided short-term disability benefits may also cover a temporary disability due to carpal tunnel.
SSD Benefits For This Syndrome
If carpal tunnel syndrome results in a disability that is expected to be long-term (longer than one year) or permanent, you may qualify for SSD benefits. However, carpal tunnel isn’t specifically listed in the Social Security Blue Book, and the burden will be on you to establish both that your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and that your condition will last at least 12 months.
Your best starting point is to talk to an experienced disability benefits advocate about your rights and options. You can get started right now by calling 800-800-3332 or filling out our contact form here.
Disability Help Group Recognized As A National Top 10 Social Security Disability Firm in 2024
Disability Help Group is proud to announce its recognition, for the third year in a row, as one of the nation’s Top Ten Social Security Disability Firms in 2024. This prestigious award highlights the company’s commitment to excellence in assisting clients through the complexities of the Social Security Disability process.
“We are honored to be recognized among the top groups in the country,” said Matt Sauerwald, President of Disability Help Group. “This award reflects our team’s commitment to helping our clients navigate the often-challenging path to obtaining Social Security disability benefits. We will continue to strive for excellence.”
With a track record of success and client satisfaction, Disability Help Group has dedicated itself to providing compassionate and comprehensive support to individuals seeking disability benefits. This ACRD, Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled, award inspires our experienced team of advocates to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the assistance they deserve.
As a recognized leader in the field, Disability Help Group remains focused on enhancing its services and expanding its reach to help even more individuals obtain the disability benefits they are entitled to.
About Disability Help Group
Disability Help Group, https://disabilityhelpgroup.com, is a national disability advocacy company founded by experienced disability experts who have been representing individuals for over 15 years. Disability Help Group is committed to providing the highest level of service and expertise to individuals throughout all 50 states.
Click here to contact our team today or call us at 800-800-3332.
