What’s New with Disability Benefits in Tampa?

The Social Security Administration is an umbrella to a variety of benefit programs for thousands of Americans. Each year, new legislation passes and the Social Security Administration’s benefit programs adjust accordingly. Many times, the changes can go unnoticed leaving you vulnerable to unexpected benefit reductions or income misrepresentations. Below, you will find out what’s new with disability benefits in Tampa for 2016.

What’s New?

In Tampa, there are some changes that could affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits.

The SSA’s 2016 Red Book

As you may know, the SSA published a Red Book which details work incentives and employment related provisions for beneficiaries of disability benefits. This book is not to be confused with their Blue Book which outlines medically qualifying conditions for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration 2016 edition of their Red Book has added helpful information and resources for disabled youth who are transitioning into adulthood.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

Generally, the cost-of-living adjustment will accommodate benefits in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, the Social Security Administration states that,

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will not automatically increase in 2016 as there was no increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2014 to the third quarter of 2015. Below are a few more automatic adjustments that have remained the same from 2015 to this year, including:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• Trial Work Period Months (TWP)
• Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
• Student Earned- Income Exclusion (SEIE)

Medicare

There are two different Medicare programs; Part A, which acts as hospital insurance, and Part B, which acts as supplemental medical insurance. Part A has a base premium of $411 with the 45% reduced premium of $226 this year. While Part B has a base premium of $104.90.

Medicaid

This year, the Medicaid While Working State Threshold Amounts were increased for those suffering from a disability. For the state of Florida, the threshold is $30,566.

Staying Up-to-Date

Each year there is new legislation and adjustments in Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration continually updates their web page so you can have the most recent information possible. However, since the Social Security Administration umbrellas multiple programs, it may be difficult to sift and search through all their available links. You can always subscribe to our blog to stay informed on everything related to your disability benefits.