How Changes in Social Security Disability Policies Will Potentially Affect Texans in 2025
Have you contracted an illness or suffered an injury that makes it impossible for you to work? Are you already receiving SSDI benefits because of an existing injury or disease? A number of changes and proposed changes to the social security disability laws and regulations could have a significant impact on what you will receive.
What are the important changes? How might they potentially affect your benefits?
Changes to Social Security Disability Rules and Benefits
There are some known changes for 2025 and others that have been the subject of discussions among advocates and lawmakers. The specific changes that will be implemented in 2025 include:
- Changes in the SGA (substantial gainful activity) limits—There are limits on how much you can earn and still qualify for SSDI benefits. In 2024, a person could not earn in excess of $1,550 and still qualify for SSDI unless they were blind, in which case the SGL limit increases to $2,590 per month. In 2025, the limit for individuals goes up to $1,620 per month ($2,700 per month for blind persons).
- Revisions to the Trial Work Period (TWP)—Under current law, a person receiving SSDI benefits may attempt to return to work for a period of 9 months without losing eligibility. In 2024, any month in which a person earned at least $1,110 was considered part of their trial work period. In 2025, the earning threshold increases to $1,160.
- Cost-of-living adjustments—The cost-of-living adjustment for 2025 will be 2.5%.
Additional Proposed Changes
The following are among some changes being proposed by advocates and lawmakers:
- Measures to streamline the application process—Advocates have long believed that the SSDI application process is complex, confusing, and burdensome. Some lawmakers have proposed simplification of the application forms, with less verbiage and complexity, so that applicants can more easily complete the process. There has also been discussion of instituting a fast-track claims process for persons with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities.
- Better access to benefits for persons with mental health disabilities—SSA officials are also looking at ways to simplify the process for persons who cannot work because of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Contact the Proven Social Security Disability Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than 40 years of experience to people in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and across Texas who are seeking SSDI benefits because of an injury or illness. To learn how we can help you qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, contact us by e-mail or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
