2025 Social Security Disability Updates: What to Expect

Life is full of changes – and the law is no exception. If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, it’s understandable that you want to stay aware of those changes so you can ensure that you continue to receive the financial support you need during this difficult time. After all, those benefits are probably an important source of financial support and stability for you and those you love. Let’s take a closer look at changes made to Social Security Disability in 2025 and what those changes might mean for you.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment

Every year, in order to ensure that disability benefit recipients receive support that reflects increases to the cost-of-living, the Social Security Administration will make what is known as a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for short. The Social Security Administration considers a variety of economic factors in making the decision as to what the COLA will be in a given year. In 2025, the COLA is 2.5% for both SSDI and SSI recipients.

Practically, this would mean that an individual who received $1,000 a month in benefits in 2024 would see that amount increased to $1,025 in 2025. Maximum monthly benefit amounts will remain in effect. The maximum amount of monthly SSDI an individual can receive in 2025 is $4,018. The maximum monthly amount of SSI in 2025 is $967 for an eligible individual and $1,450 per couple.

Changes to Substantial Gainful Activity Limit and Trial Work Period

Those who may attempt to return to work following a disability should also know that the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit changed in 2025. The SGA limit determines how much money an individual can earn while still continuing to receive SSDI benefits. The SGA limit changes annually based on a variety of economic factors. In 2024, the SGA limit for individuals who were not blind was $1,470 per month. In 2025, that limit has been increased to $1,620 per month. For blind individuals, the limit was $2,460 per month in 2024. In 2025, the limit was increased to $2,700.

The Trial Work Period is another incentive offered by the Social Security Administration for disabled individuals who are attempting to return to work. During the nine months of the TWP, an individual can earn income without losing access to disability benefits. In 2024, the monthly income limit for a TWP month was $1,050. In 2025, that limit has been changed to $1,160.

As a result of these changes to the SGA and TWP, those trying to return to work will have more flexibility to do so and earn additional income while still retaining benefits up to the SGA limit.

Changes to Application Requirements

In addition to the changes to benefit amounts themselves, beginning in April of 2025, the Social Security Administration adopted additional identity verification procedures. According to the Social Security Administration, changes were made to “safeguard Social Security records and benefits against fraudulent activity.” These changes will likely not significantly affect those who already have an online Social Security account. However, it is important to be aware that additional changes to the application and identification process could be possible as time goes by.

Social Security Wage Cap Increase

Every year, the Social Security Administration places a limit on the amount of income on which an individual must pay taxes and receive credit for when benefits are ultimately calculated. In 2025, this Social Security tax limit is $176,100, which is an increase from the $168,600 wage cap in 2024. In 2026, this limit will likely rise again, as it is typically adjusted to account for various economic factors. Anticipating and understanding these changes can be tremendously helpful in planning from a financial perspective.

Retirement Age

Although Social Security retirement benefits are not dependent upon having a disability, they may affect disability benefits insofar as reaching full retirement age means a conversion from one type of benefit to the other. For the last several years, the full retirement age has gradually increased for those born between 1955 and 1960 until it reaches 67 years of age. In 2025, the full retirement age is 66 years and ten months.

Disability Experts – Here For You

At Disability Experts, we know that the law concerning disability benefits can sometimes seem complicated and even overwhelming. When you’re living with a difficult and disabling condition, you don’t need to worry and wonder about how you’ll protect those benefits or about what legal changes are happening from year to year. The good news is, you don’t have to. At Disability Experts, we know and understand every aspect of the law concerning disability benefits, and we’ll do all we can to ensure that you continue to receive the benefits you need and deserve. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.