Social Security Disability benefits to rise 2 percent next year

There is good news today from the Social Security Administration. The federal agency announced that Social Security Disability benefits recipients are to receive a 2 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA). The increase means the average SSDI beneficiary will see their monthly check rise from $1,173 to $1,197.

The maximum SSDI monthly payment will go from $2,011 before the COLA to $2,051, starting January 1 of next year.

As you know, SSDI provides a monthly income to disabled workers who are prevented by illness or injury from continuing to work. The Social Security Administration lists broad categories of illnesses that can qualify a person for benefits.

Among those listed are the following conditions:

• Respiratory Disorders
• Skin Disorders
• Digestive System
• Musculoskeletal System
• Genitourinary Disorders
• Neurological Disorders
• Endocrine Disorders
• Immune System Disorders
• Cancer
• Mental Disorders

Each of those broad categories is then broken down into more specific conditions. For instance, under the Mental Disorders category, there are potentially disabling conditions such as depressive disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, autism spectrum disorder and others.

Depression is then divided further, with SSDI applicants citing the condition required to document that they have five of the following: depressed mood, diminished interest in most activities, appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, psychomotor agitation or retardation, difficulty thinking and suicidal thoughts.

If you are disabled by depression or another condition, you can apply for SSDI. If your claim is denied, you can appeal with the help of a qualified attorney.