Will Social Security Disability get a Raise in 2020?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 02/14/2025
Social Security Disability benefits are adjusted each year to keep up with inflation, ensuring that recipients maintain their purchasing power. The increase in benefits typically aligns with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is determined by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If you’re wondering whether your Social Security Disability benefits will increase in 2020, here’s what you need to know.
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Social Security Disability COLA for 2020
In 2020,
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients did see a
2.8% increase in their benefits, which was the largest COLA increase in nearly a decade. This means that Social Security Disability payments went up by an average of
$45 per month for the typical recipient.
How the COLA Increase Works
The COLA adjustment is designed to help Social Security beneficiaries keep up with inflation and rising living costs. It’s based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which tracks price changes in goods and services like food, housing, and medical care.
When there’s an increase in the cost of living, the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a corresponding increase to SSDI and other Social Security benefits. The increase in 2020 reflected a rise in inflation from the previous year, affecting both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.
Impact of the 2.8% Increase
The 2.8% COLA increase in 2020 was a welcome change for many people relying on Social Security Disability benefits, as it provided some relief against rising living costs. For example:
- If your monthly SSDI benefit was $1,200 in 2019, the 2.8% increase would raise your payment by about $33.60 per month in 2020.
- For someone receiving $2,000 per month, the increase would result in about $56 per month more.
It’s important to note that the increase can vary depending on your specific benefit amount.
Factors Affecting Your SSDI Benefit
Your Social Security Disability benefits are based on your work history, including your earnings and the amount you paid into the Social Security system. Therefore, your individual SSDI benefit amount may differ from others, but the 2.8% COLA will apply to all qualifying recipients.
What to Expect in Future COLA Increases
While it’s difficult to predict the exact amount of future COLA increases, the 2.8% increase in 2020 was considered a relatively large adjustment. Typically, COLA increases range between 0% to 3%, depending on inflation trends.
It’s worth noting that
COLA increases do not guarantee a consistent rise each year. If inflation remains low, the increase could be smaller or, in rare cases, there may be no increase at all. However, most years will see some form of adjustment to help Social Security Disability recipients keep up with inflation.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we understand the complexities of Social Security Disability claims and can help you navigate the system. Whether you’re applying for benefits, appealing a decision, or have questions about your benefits, we’re here to provide the guidance you need.
- Eligibility Assistance: We’ll help you determine if you qualify for SSDI and the amount of benefits you may receive.
- Application Support: If you’re new to applying for SSDI, we can walk you through the process and ensure your application is completed accurately and efficiently.
- Appeals Representation: If your claim is denied, we can assist with filing an appeal and representing you throughout the process.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re looking for help with your Social Security Disability benefits or have questions about recent changes like the COLA increase, Hogan Smith is here to support you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s make sure you’re receiving the full benefits you deserve.
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