Social Security has benefitted hundreds of millions of Americans since its start in 1935. From retirees to those suffering from debilitating disabilities, Social Security provides monthly funds to ensure as many people as possible have sufficient means to live. For many Americans, however, there is great worry about the future of the Social Security program.
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Will there be any changes in the SSDI/SSI benefits program in the future?
SSDI (Social Security disability insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) comprise a large portion of Social Security’s benefits. Because so many people receive Medicaid/Medicare through these programs, it is only natural to be worried about the program's future.
While Social Security itself is definitely not going anywhere, there are always smaller alterations that are made to the program on a regular basis.
One of the most common changes made to these programs every year is an increase based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). While the amount of the adjustment varies every year according to a complex formula, the idea is very simple: when the cost of living rises, so do Social Security benefits. Depending on how much an individual receives through SSDI/SSI, they receive a percentage increase in monthly payments based on the COLA. Some years, however, there is no COLA and no adjustments are made to Social Security benefits (2016 is one of those years).
Aside from this and other minor, occasional adjustments, there are no changes that can too drastically alter Social Security from year to year. As of right now, there are also absolutely no plans in progress to remove Social Security benefits from Americans altogether. If you or a loved one currently receives SSDI, do not fear — your benefits will not disappear!
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Consulting with a Social Security Attorney
Social Security is a complex organization that can be overwhelming to understand and apply for. However, with the help of a Social Security attorney, things get a lot simpler.
Social Security attorneys are well-versed in all aspects of SSDI/SSI benefits and proceedings. They can help recommend documentation to provide, edit your application, present your case favorably, and fight for your right to receive the benefits you deserve. In fact, applicants are statistically far more likely to receive benefits when they are represented by a legal professional.
If you are interested in filing for Social Security or have questions about the process, consider speaking with a Social Security attorney today.
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Blog comments
I have an family member that
I have an family member that has committed Social Security what do I do
In reply to I have an family member that by Suszette Mckessy (not verified)
Hi Suszette,
Hi Suszette,
If they're seeking disability benefits, then it may be a good idea for them to contact the a disability advocate or attorney. We can have one reach out to them if you fill out the form on the left, or if you go here:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/form/free-disability-evaluation
If someone is receiving 100%
If someone is receiving 100% disability from social security for a brain injury can they lose their disability for having a million dollar life insurance policy or must the state or government be the beneficiariy?
In reply to If someone is receiving 100% by Sabrina (not verified)
Hi Sabrina,
Hi Sabrina,
If they are getting disability benefits based off of their work record, they may not have to do anything like that.
My wife was diagnosed with
My wife was diagnosed with severe RA and which she has had for almost 3 years. She can no longer keep up with the working environment as she is 59 and her joints just don't work like they used to. We currently live in Iowa but will be moving to Kansas in the next few months. Where should she file for SSDI. I also want an attorney helping. We need to get this issue started but don't nowhere to begin HELP
In reply to My wife was diagnosed with by Steve (not verified)
Hi Steve,
Hi Steve,
If you fill out the form on the left we can put you in touch with a disability attorney or advocate, you can also do so by going to this page as well:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/form/free-disability-evaluation
My wife has been trying to
My wife has been trying to work after a number of years were she could not bring herself to do so. She is Bipolar (which is why she hasn't tried for a few years) and has Epilepsy. She has been able to go about one or two weeks at her attempted jobs, but then the body gets overworked and she has seizures, or the job pressure causes deep depression.
What are her chances (at 36) of getting disability? I get paid well, but the bipolar has caused for a lot of medical bills.
In reply to My wife has been trying to by Gordon Stripling (not verified)
Hi Gordon,
Hi Gordon,
your wife may qualify for disability benefits, however it may be a good idea to contact a disability advocate or attorney regarding your case. They can help you through the process of applying and also fight for you if you need to appeal the SSA's decision. You can get in touch with one by filling out this form:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/form/free-disability-evaluation
Hi Deanna, My husband, and I,
Hi Deanna, My husband, and I, are both on SSDI. In the event, when one of us passed, what happens next? We are married, but less than 10 years, so does his disability, 'turn into' Social Security, when he turns 62, in December, making me unable, to receive his benefits? Thank You! Julie
In reply to Hi Deanna, My husband, and I, by Julie Moriarty (not verified)
Hi Julie,
Hi Julie,
His SSDI benefits won't convert to retirement benefits until he's 66 + some odd months, depending on his DOB. If you're over age 50 now, you can actually begin receiving benefits on his behalf now, assuming his benefits are higher than yours.
In reply to Hi Julie, by Deanna
Thank You Deanna! If he
Thank You Deanna! If he passes, before then, or vice versa, do we need, to be married, for 10 years, or is that, for a pension plan? Thank You!!
In reply to Thank You Deanna! If he by Julie Moriarty (not verified)
Hi Julie,
Hi Julie,
In the event of your spouse's death ( knock on wood), then you may be eligible for survivor's benefits based on his work record.
I was assaulted in Aug 2011
I was assaulted in Aug 2011 and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Was in a coma for 6 days. I was left with PTSD, mobility, speach and fine motor skills issues. I'm a nurse and that was not a good situation. I can no longer work. It took 5 and a half years to get my SSDI. Moral of the story: hang in there people!
In reply to I was assaulted in Aug 2011 by Yvette (not verified)
Hi Yvette,
Hi Yvette,
Thank you for sharing your story!
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