If you are receiving Social Security Disability benefits or thinking about applying, it’s crucial to stay informed about upcoming changes. Although Social Security has not formally announced any sweeping policy shifts for 2025, there are several important updates and emerging issues that beneficiaries, applicants, and advocates should keep in mind.
From cost-of-living increases to new earnings limits for the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, to a potential change in the Commissioner of Social Security, these factors can directly impact your claim and your monthly benefits.
Let’s explore the key Social Security Disability changes coming that you’ll need to plan ahead for 2025 and what they might mean for you or your loved ones.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
One of the most notable changes for 2025 is the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews economic indicators—particularly the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—to determine whether benefits should be increased to keep pace with inflation.
- COLA for 2025: The COLA will be approximately 2.5%.
- Impact on Monthly Checks: If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your monthly check will rise by around 2.5%. For example, if you currently receive $1,000 per month, you can expect an increase of about $25.
While a 2.5% adjustment is beneficial, it may not fully account for rising expenses, such as healthcare or housing costs, which often increase at faster rates than general inflation. Nonetheless, it’s a welcome boost for anyone living on a fixed income and struggling to keep up with day-to-day expenses.
New Earnings Limits for Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
Another critical change affecting Social Security Disability is the earnings limit for Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The SGA figure is pivotal because it represents the maximum amount a disability beneficiary can earn per month before the Social Security Administration presumes they can engage in “substantial” work activity.
- Previous SGA (2024): $1,550 per month in gross earnings.
- Updated SGA (2025): $1,620 per month in gross earnings.
If you earn more than the SGA threshold in any given month—on an ongoing basis—the Social Security Administration may conclude that you’re no longer disabled under their rules, which can jeopardize your benefits.
It’s important to note that an occasional high-earning month may not automatically disqualify you, but consistent earnings above $1,620 (in 2025) generally raise red flags.
Key Takeaway: If you are contemplating a return to work, even part-time, keep a close eye on your monthly earnings. Knowing the Substantial Gainful Activity threshold helps you avoid unintentionally exceeding the limit and risking a cessation of your disability benefits.
Trial Work Period Updates
For individuals already receiving Social Security Disability Insurance but who want to test their ability to work, the Social Security Administration offers a Trial Work Period (TWP). This allows you to earn income over a certain threshold for up to nine months within a rolling 60-month period without automatically losing your benefits.
- TWP Threshold (2024): $1,110 per month.
- TWP Threshold (2025): $1,160 per month.
Whenever you earn above the TWP threshold in a given month, you use up one of your nine trial work period months. Importantly, the Social Security Administration looks at when you are paid rather than when you performed the work. So, if your paychecks issued in a particular month total more than $1,160 in 2025, that month counts as one of your TWP months.
Practical Example:
- If you earn $1,159 in January 2025, that does not use a TWP month.
- If you earn $1,161 in February 2025, that does use a TWP month.
Why It Matters: The TWP gives beneficiaries a crucial buffer to see if they can maintain employment despite their impairments. However, once you exhaust your nine TWP months, the Social Security Administration may reevaluate your status more stringently if you continue to work at or above SGA levels.
Slight Changes in Retirement Age
While retirement policy doesn’t directly affect every disability claimant, it can be relevant if you’re approaching retirement age.
- Retirement Age Adjustments: For individuals born in certain years, full retirement age may shift from 66 years and 8 months to 66 years and 10 months.
- Impact on Disability Beneficiaries: When you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically transition to retirement benefits. If your full retirement age nudges upward, you’ll remain in the “disability” category slightly longer, although the payment amount typically stays the same.
If you’re in your mid-60s, pay close attention to these subtle changes. They can affect how long you receive SSDI before it automatically converts to retirement benefits.
Possible New Commissioner of Social Security
A major looming shift in 2025 is the anticipated change in the Commissioner of Social Security. Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi (as Acting Commissioner) or Commissioner Martin O’Malley (hypothetical examples) might be replaced when their term ends.
Historically, a change in administration can bring a new leadership approach to the SSA. Why this matters:
- Policy Direction: Different commissioners have different views on how strictly disability claims should be evaluated and how aggressively they should handle fraud, overpayments, and backlog reduction.
- Administrative Priorities: Some commissioners focus on modernizing technology and streamlining disability determinations, while others emphasize program integrity reviews and stricter adherence to regulations.
- Impact on Approval Rates: Subtle shifts can affect how Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) perceive claims, ultimately influencing approval rates.
Although we don’t know for certain who will be appointed or how their policies will evolve, it’s wise to stay informed. If you’re in the application or appeal process, ongoing administrative changes can affect how quickly your claim is processed—and how thoroughly your case is examined.
Political Considerations and Future Outlook
It’s not uncommon for politicians to view Social Security Disability Insurance as a potential target for cost savings, especially if there are concerns about the long-term solvency of the program. While President Trump (or any other future leader) may promise to safeguard Social Security, changes to disability policies specifically have often garnered bipartisan support when lawmakers seek to cut costs or reduce fraud.
Yet, there’s a twist. Many working-class voters who back politicians advocating for “entitlement reform” also rely on disability benefits or know someone who does.
Political leaders tend to tread lightly to avoid alienating their base. That said, no party has been entirely hands-off when it comes to potential modifications to disability programs. In short, expect the unexpected. Here are some key considerations:
- New Legislation? Keep an eye on any proposed bills that could tighten eligibility, shorten retroactive pay periods, or revise the definition of disability.
- Regulatory Tweaks: The SSA might make administrative rule changes, such as adjusting how Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) are scheduled or conducted.
- Funding and Staffing: Budget allocations from Congress can affect how quickly claims are processed and whether more staff is hired to handle backlogs.
Staying Informed and Preparing for 2025
If you’re concerned about how these changes may affect your disability benefits, knowledge is power. Here are some practical steps:
- Monitor Official Announcements: The SSA website (ssa.gov) posts annual updates on COLA, SGA levels, and trial work periods.
- Track Your Earnings: Keep accurate records of your gross monthly income, especially if you plan to test your ability to work.
- Stay Connected with a Disability Attorney: A knowledgeable Social Security Disability lawyer can help you interpret changes and strategize about your case—especially if you’re nearing an SGA limit or entering a TWP.
- Watch for Policy Shifts: If there’s a new SSA Commissioner, check credible news sources or the SSA’s official press releases for changes in direction or administrative priorities.
Where to Get Help
Facing the disability process alone can be challenging, especially with annual adjustments and the potential for larger policy shifts. If you’re uncertain about how these updates might influence your case—or if you’re thinking about filing a new claim—it may be time to seek professional help.
- Free Case Evaluations: Many disability attorneys offer a free initial consultation to assess your situation.
- Downloadable Guides: Look for comprehensive disability survival kits or e-books that give you step-by-step guidance on applying, appealing, or preparing for a disability hearing.
- Live Streams and Webinars: Some law firms host weekly or monthly Q&A sessions, allowing you to ask questions in real-time about emerging changes and their implications.
While 2025 doesn’t appear to usher in drastic, clearly defined overhauls to Social Security Disability rules, several smaller shifts can still have a big impact on your monthly benefits and your eligibility. From a 2.5% COLA increase to higher SGA and trial work period thresholds, these changes require beneficiaries and applicants to stay vigilant.
And with a new Commissioner likely on the horizon, there’s always the possibility that administrative policies could shift in ways that make it harder—or sometimes easier—to secure disability benefits.
The best approach is to keep informed, watch your earnings carefully, and seek legal advice if you suspect your claim may be affected by these updates. An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can help you navigate the evolving regulations and ensure you’re doing everything possible to protect or secure your benefits.
Remember, understanding these changes and acting proactively can make a world of difference in whether you’re able to sustain a comfortable lifestyle despite your medical limitations.
Need Help With Your Disability Case?
If you have questions about filing for Social Security Disability, appealing a denial, or understanding how 2025 changes might affect your benefits, reach out to our office today. We offer a free consultation and a host of online resources to guide you through the process. Together, we can work to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve—no matter what changes the new year brings.
We’re Here To Help
If you need help fighting for your Social Security disability rights, The Krebs Law firm offers free consultations. We can review your situation, help you determine the best course of action, and if you have a case, fight alongside you.
Of course, you could handle the matter alone, but the odds of successfully combatting a denial are higher with the help of a Social Security disability lawyer.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay. You can reach our Springfield office at 417-883-5886 or toll free at 800-345-0535.
A Social Security disability lawyer can help make the process of getting the full amount you’re owed much easier. The Krebs Law Firm offers free consultations, and all it takes is giving us a call today.
Whether you’re making an initial Social Security Disability claim or striving to make an appeal, The Krebs Law Firm knows the ins and outs of the application process and offers free consultations to potential clients. You have nothing to lose by contacting us and everything to gain.
If you seek the help of a Social Security Disability attorney with your claim, the Krebs Law Firm has years of experience in helping our clients receive the full amount of Social Security Disability benefits that they rightly deserve in as timely a manner as possible. We know the ins and outs of the Social Security Disability process and would be happy to work with you.
At The Krebs Law Firm, we fight as hard as we can to help you get the disability coverage you deserve. Call our Springfield office today for a free consultation at 417-883-5886, our Columbia office at (573) 886-8976 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
Jason Krebs is licensed in both Arkansas and Missouri. Our main office is in Springfield Missouri. Our Harrison Arkansas office is by appointment only. The address is 125 Industrial Park Road Suite E1 Harrison Arkansas 72601. Our local phone number in Harrison is (870) 741-8100. Our Toll Free phone number is (800) 345-0535. You can also send us an email to [email protected].
It can be daunting learning the ins and outs of Social Security Disability benefits, but it’s not a task you need to take on alone. Call on a Disability Attorney from The Krebs Law Firm to help you every step of the way.
We offer a free book on Social Security Disability benefits to Missouri and Arkansas residents. Give us a call today.
The Krebs Law Firm provides free consultations for Social Security Disability claimants, and we don’t get paid unless we win you the compensation you deserve. Set up your appointment with us without delay.