Changes to Social Security in 2017

Submitted by Deanna on

Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts a financial review that can affect benefit payment amounts, qualification rules, and other areas of Social Security disability.

When a serious medical condition stops you from working, benefits through the SSA’s disability programs can help you get by. Qualifying can sometimes be tricky though, and you may wish to seek assistance from a disability advocate or attorney even before starting your application.

Social Security Disability Insurance Changes

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires a minimum of 20 to 40 work credits, dependent upon your age when you become disabled. Workers earn a maximum of four credits per year.

In 2017, you’ll have to pay Social Security taxes on at least $5,200 to earn four credits. That’s an increase of $160 from 2016. If you’ve already accumulated sufficient work credits, this particular increase doesn’t affect you, but there are some other adjustments that will affect your SSDI, including:

  • Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) – all SSDI recipients will see a 0.3% increase in their monthly SSDI payments in 2017. For the average person this means a monthly benefit raise from $1,167 in 2016 to $1,171 in 2017.
  • Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – to qualify for SSDI, an applicant cannot have income from employment that exceeds the SGA level. The 2017 SGA for blind applicants is $1,950, while non-blind applicants can have an SGA of $1,170 per month.
  • Trial Work Period (TWP) Limit – benefit recipients can continue to receive disability even while making work attempts under a TWP. There is a monthly income limit set for a trial work month, and any month in which have earnings over the limit counts toward your total TWP. In 2016, a trial work month topped out at $810. In 2017, only those months in which you earn $840 or greater will count toward your TWP.

Supplemental Security Income Changes

Although Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see a small COLA increase in 2017, the financial resources limit hasn’t change:

  • Resource Limits – To receive SSI, an individual cannot have more than $2,000 in financial resources. If a couple gets SSI, with both partners receiving benefits each month, then the limit for their combined resources cannot exceed $3,000.
  • COLA – As far as the COLA increase for 2017 SSI goes, individuals can receive a maximum of $735 a month, while the combined SSI of a couple can’t be any higher than $1,103.

Applying for Benefits and Getting Help with Your Claim

Disability benefits applications can be completed at the local SSA office or online, via the SSA’s website. The online application fulfills the requirements for filing an SSDI claim, but it is only part of the process for SSI. A personal interview will still be necessary to finalize your SSI application. For this interview, you may need to visit the local office, or in some cases, you may receive a call from the SSA instead.

Before filing for either benefit program though, you may wish to consider speaking with a disability attorney or advocate. He or she can help you prepare your application and support it with appropriate evidence, thereby increasing your chances of approval. An attorney can also help you understand how the SSA’s 2017 changes may affect you specifically.

Blog comments

mina Michelle Byers (not verified)

If I am on disability, and

If I am on disability, and want to be a foster parent will this affect my check?

Tue, 01/03/2017 - 14:40 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by mina Michelle Byers (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
That may not affect your benefits as the children that you foster may not be eligible for benefits based on your benefits.

Thu, 01/05/2017 - 14:18 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by mina Michelle Byers (not verified)

I'm sure all income

I'm sure all income effects all benefuts

Thu, 05/18/2017 - 01:56 Permalink
Jim (not verified)

In reply to by mina Michelle Byers (not verified)

I was the foster parent and

I was the foster parent and on Social Security disability and it had no effect on my income whatsoever. I hope this helps good luck

Wed, 10/11/2017 - 13:21 Permalink
Tiffany (not verified)

Does anyone know the typical

Does anyone know the typical timeframe for receiving child supports payments after the obligor has been approved for SSDI? He has received his lump sum check and his first monthly income amount from SSDI but child support has yet to receive anything and is told there is no information available on a timeframe even though the CS amount has been withheld.

Fri, 01/06/2017 - 15:44 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Tiffany (not verified)

Hi Tiffany,

Hi Tiffany,
As child support laws differ in every state, I really could not say what the timeframe for receiving child support payments after SSDI approval is.

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 11:37 Permalink
Karina (not verified)

In reply to by Tiffany (not verified)

The child will receive the

The child will receive the back pay for same amount of time as him and the monthly payment. Go to the social security office and let them know about the problem.

Sat, 07/15/2017 - 08:38 Permalink
Gretchen Clark (not verified)

In reply to by Tiffany (not verified)

I got mine the month after

I got mine the month after the lump sum. I would give it two months tops, then call.

Mon, 12/04/2017 - 13:43 Permalink
Sandra (not verified)

If a baby had to go through

If a baby had to go through withdrawal when born from a prescription drug and has some issues but no official diagnosis yet can the baby qualify for ssi?

Thu, 01/19/2017 - 01:40 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sandra (not verified)

Hi Sandra,

Hi Sandra,
The child may need to have diagnosed conditions or meet the SSA's criteria for disability to be eligible for benefits.

Thu, 01/19/2017 - 10:53 Permalink
paul (not verified)

If im claiming pip can i also

If im claiming pip can i also claim careers allowance for myself ??

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 04:47 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by paul (not verified)

Hi Paul,

Hi Paul,
You seem to be referring to the English disability system, I wish we were better able to help you, however we specialize in the U.S. disability system.

Tue, 01/24/2017 - 15:22 Permalink
Arlene (not verified)

I'm looking for a way to

I'm looking for a way to supplement my income. Don't know how long I can work though. Will it affect my social security disability benefits, and how long can I work, and how much can I earn, before it affects my benefits?

Thu, 01/26/2017 - 17:13 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Arlene (not verified)

Hi Arlene,

Hi Arlene,
You may want to contact your local SSA office for some more information, they can provide you with the details specific to your case.

Fri, 01/27/2017 - 14:07 Permalink
Melissa (not verified)

I am wondering if I should

I am wondering if I should apply for disability due to being diagnosed with Heart Failure, Diabetes, and a disorder with my shoulders that causes them to voluntarily dislocated without warning. The shoulder disorder was diagnosed when I was 15 and my Diabetes was diagnosed when I was 27 and my Heart Failure was diagnosed last April at 38. I have been told that I would qualify, but do I need a lawyer, because I can't afford one. Also, I don't have enough of those rediculous points as I have not worked a lot in my adulthood.

Fri, 02/03/2017 - 04:09 Permalink
Berry (not verified)

In reply to by Melissa (not verified)

Hi,

Hi,
If you don't have your work credits for Social Security then you will only get SSI and yes you can hire a Social Security lawyer but if I was you I will do it if your reconsideration is denied and the Social Security lawyer will get paid on the back in no money is needed up fron and the lawyer will only get a flat fee like $6,300 max but I would apply ASAP cause their is a few steps you may go thru before you get to a consideration step...you have listing problem that is in the Social Security/SSI (BLUE BOOK medical problem) to get approved what's the worse that can happen?....best of luck to you

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 18:26 Permalink
Amu (not verified)

In reply to by Melissa (not verified)

Melissa, Disability lawyers

Melissa, Disability lawyers do not charge you money until they win your case. Once you get approved they take a percentage of your backpay. You don't pay them a dime unless u get approved.

Thu, 08/24/2017 - 07:59 Permalink
Scott (not verified)

In reply to by Melissa (not verified)

I filed after having two

I filed after having two heart attacks plus PTSD and eleven surgerys. I got a lawyer and we won it and my kids make a check off of me, but it depends on you I would get on to fight for you

Wed, 12/06/2017 - 17:19 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Scott (not verified)

Hi Scott,

Hi Scott,
That's great to hear! It's a good idea to contact a lawyer if you're planning on applying for benefits.

Thu, 12/07/2017 - 11:28 Permalink
Rick T. (not verified)

I read the Listings of

I read the Listings of Impairments and they have gotten, from my Cardiologist, 4 Cardiac Cath reports that show a 100% blockage of my Right Coronary Artery, with a failed Stress Test that was positive for Ischemia. I was told by SSA when they called to send my mother in law forms to fill out about my daily activities, that I was not being sent to their Dr. Could this be a good thing or a quick denial? I am 50 years old and the only job I know how to do is drive truck and due to my heart attack, they took my DOT Med Cert from me. Thanks for your time. I do not want to sound confusing, but I really do not understand this process.

Fri, 02/03/2017 - 21:22 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Rick T. (not verified)

Hi Rick,

Hi Rick,
I really could not say as assessing your activities of daily living are a normal part of the application process and would not indicate anything about your chances for being awarded benefits.

Mon, 02/06/2017 - 09:22 Permalink
Lorie (not verified)

In reply to by Rick T. (not verified)

I applied for social security

I applied for social security online in 2009. I didn't have a family physician at the time. I was going to a different doctor for each problem and disability I was experiencing. I made sure that I was clear about my confusing medical situation when I filled out the application. Consequently I was sent to a doctor that disability choose. Every one told me that I should plan on being denied, because it was the first determination made in 95 percent of cases and that the denial would give me and the lawyer I retrained an idea of what we would need to address when I reapplied. I didn't hear anything for about 6 months or so until one day I got a check in the mail for back pay from my application date and a break down of my monthly benefits. No one I knew had ever heard of any one getting approved the first time around. I dont think I was approved the first time around because I was seen as more deserving of getting disability than someone who was denied the first time. I believe it was an unexpected benefit of being sent to the disability doctor. He knew what criteria had to be met to approve my claim and whether or not I met that that criteria. If he was looking over data submitted by a doctor other than himself it comes through as second hand knowledge that can never be as concise as first hand knowledge. Because of the importance of the decision being made it makes sense that someone using second hand knowledge would want to see more information than the person using first hand knowledge. Because of that I believe it was in my best interest that I was sent to the disability doctor. It made it a smoother process.

Thu, 01/18/2018 - 22:59 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Lorie (not verified)

HI Lorie,

HI Lorie,
Thanks for sharing! Your attorney may have contacted the SSA on your behalf for reconsideration.

Mon, 01/22/2018 - 09:16 Permalink
Daniel McGrath (not verified)

Hi, I have congestive heart

Hi, I have congestive heart failure atrial fibrillation cutting me up at Sea and left side bundle branch block being on disability for 3 years my check went from 11:25 and months to 860 does anyone know why. My income or lifestyle or health has not really changed all

Wed, 02/08/2017 - 01:43 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Daniel McGrath (not verified)

Hi Daniel,

Hi Daniel,
I really could not say why exactly your benefits changed, however if you recently enrolled in medicare or a medicare advantage plan, you may have those premiums withdrawn from your benefits check.

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 15:01 Permalink
Fran (not verified)

Why now I have to go to a

Why now I have to go to a hearing in May but I have been receiving SSD expedited re-instatement since 7/201

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 21:20 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Fran (not verified)

Hi Fran,

Hi Fran,

I am sorry to hear that. I would recommend speaking to a SSA representative.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Thu, 02/16/2017 - 16:19 Permalink
Maggs (not verified)

I received cola but my

I received cola but my children who receive from their dad did not, also I am back to being a single parent with no child support to help will my SSI go up as they used the outside support to calculate what I would receive.

Mon, 02/27/2017 - 20:06 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Maggs (not verified)

Hi Maggs,

Hi Maggs,
You may want to contact your local SSA office regarding this, they can give you detailed information specific to your case.

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 14:12 Permalink
Lynn Greco (not verified)

Good morning. I have been

Good morning. I have been unemployed since August 12, 2008. collected unemployment until August 2010. My last full time job did lay offs which I was let go the day before my son's 1st birthday. I had only received 1 part time Seasonal position a couple of years ago. I have been in contact several times over this time to find out about applying for ssi in early retirement or collect on disability. I understand about the early retirement age being 62. But I was also injured in a car accident back in 2004 in which the joints in my right ankle has not been the same since. And about 5 years ago my chiropractor discovered in x-rays thats the vertibraes in my neck are fusing together. Since my accident my right has never been the same. It has been a good amount of pain and has been getting worse. I called the Connecticut SSA office and all the looking for information and all he kept telling me was not until I'm 62. I also addressed about my son who was diagnosed with Autism and I was told by other people that he qualifies for SSI. the guy at SSA would only repeat 1 answer to all my questions. Which is "not until your 62". What kind of people do we have working for the government and how can I enroll my son AND myself for social security. There must be exceptions to the contrary. Such as parents who make the sacrifice and be eligible to collect since they are unemployed and caring for their own Special Needs child. Thank you.

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 10:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Lynn Greco (not verified)

Hi Lynn,

Hi Lynn,
I'm sorry to hear about that! You may be able to take early retirement at 62, however if you exceed the income and resource limits for SSI, you may not be eligible for those benefits. However, your son may be eligible for benefits based on your income and financial resources as the SSA would only use a part of those in determining if your child qualifies for benefits.

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 14:14 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

How Does The Government

How Does The Government Expect People With SSDI And SSI Live Off Way Less Then The Housing Cost...Have A Cheap Apartment And Still Can't Afford It By Myself And Raise Two Kids As Well

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 14:25 Permalink
verlois (not verified)

i get DASS MY HUBAND DIE 8

i get DASS MY HUBAND DIE 8 YEARS AGO I GET SOME OF HIS SSDA I TURN 65 IN MAY WILL GET ANYMORE OF HIS SS LIKE ABOUT HALF OF IT

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 12:59 Permalink
Mickey (not verified)

After a trial back at work,

After a trial back at work, do you have to return your 9 months of SSD income?

Sat, 03/04/2017 - 16:50 Permalink
JOHN GORMAN (not verified)

I WILL BE RECEIVING SSDI IN

I WILL BE RECEIVING SSDI IN MARCH. MY QUESTION IS: I HAVE ALWAYS USED MY INCOME TAX RETURN AS AFORM OF SAVING. I RECEIVE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF A RETURN. IHAVE ALREADY PAID TAXES AND SOCIAL SECURITY ETC. ON THIS MONEY. WHEN IT GETS DEPOSITED DO I HAVE TO CONTACT S.S. THE SAME THING MIGHT HAPPEN IF I DECIDE TO HAVE A LARGE AMOUNT DEPOSIT FROM MY RETIREMENT PLANS. DO I HAVE TO REPORT THAT? I KNOW THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPORT MONEYS TAKEN OUT OF MY 401K ON MY 2017 TAXES.

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 11:29 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by JOHN GORMAN (not verified)

Hi John,

Hi John,
You do not have to pay taxes on your SS benefits, but you should not be able to get a tax return once approved. If you're on SSDI, you do not need to worry about withdrawing large sums of money.

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:44 Permalink
Cynthia Smith (not verified)

In reply to by Deanna

I have SSDI. I had to

I have SSDI. I had to withdrawal 40,000 from my 401K to pay off debt I got trying to keep my home. I not only paid federal and state taxes on this but I also had to pay taxes on my SSDI benefits. I've been paying on the bill for 3 years and I have years to go. I sold my house.

Thu, 09/28/2017 - 17:14 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Cynthia Smith (not verified)

Hi Cynthia,

Hi Cynthia,
I'm sorry to hear about that! Hang in there.

Fri, 09/29/2017 - 09:24 Permalink
Crisps Mom (not verified)

Will my SSDI or my Survivor

Will my SSDI or my Survivor benefit change if I move to a different state.
I live in Georgia. While waiting for my disability to be approved- my husband died suddenly. We have a young son. I started receiving Survivor benefits for me and my son. Over a year after my husband died - I won my disability case. Because of the total maximum family Benefit limit I can not collect all that I qualify for.
Now I may have to move back in with family out of state. Indiana or Pennsylvania are my choices.
Will moving effect my disability benefits?

Sat, 03/11/2017 - 10:56 Permalink
MAZ (not verified)

I'm a paraplegic from Pa

I'm a paraplegic from Pa and would like to know why that if I get a job and make more than 1000 dollars a month I'll get penalized and lose my disability where as people on SSI that retire can work a full time job and make a unlimited amount and still collect there ssi

Sun, 03/19/2017 - 10:38 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by MAZ (not verified)

Hi Maz,

Hi Maz,

You may lose your SSDI benefits if you earn more the than the 2017 SGA amount, which is $1,170/month.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Mon, 03/20/2017 - 16:40 Permalink
Joey (not verified)

In reply to by Eric

I'm having the same

I'm having the same issue and I had no idea I went over at all. They say I may "possibly" lose my benefits but everyone says its a guarantee. Are the criteria different for each person? 5 of the months were 4 years or more ago and I'm still having trouble holding a job.

Mon, 10/30/2017 - 19:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Joey (not verified)

Hi Joey,

Hi Joey,
You may want to contact the SSA for information specific to your own case. You can call them at 1-800-772-1213.

Wed, 11/01/2017 - 10:13 Permalink
Olga (not verified)

My husband met the medical

My husband met the medical condition of disabled in 2014 at age 61, but did not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. He did receive SSI until Jan 2017, when he was told he had to file for SS Retirement. Now that he does not qualify for SSI, he does not qualify for Medicaid in Texas. Almost a year after having major heart surgery, still going through recuperation and not able to work, losing Medicaid will mean we cannot afford all the medical care he needs. We got insurance through my job but with a high deductible, which must be met before most medical care is covered, we cannot afford much more than his generic medications. Since we think he can work a few hours a day by doing a business, where he can work in the morning (when he has more energy) we are thinking of submitting a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) to set aside money for some of the startup expenses. He does want to be productive and thinks he can make some income that way. SS told us he needed to complete a Disability application in order to submit a PASS. Do you know if he doesn't get SSI approved again (his SS is $1242), are there other programs where he can still qualify for Medicaid? Thank you.

Tue, 03/21/2017 - 13:59 Permalink

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