Social Security Disability – More COLA Information

As noted in a recent post, Social Security Disability and SSI recipients will see a 1.7% increase in benefits for the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) starting in January of 2015. The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of the current year.

However, the COLA affects many important aspects of the Social Security Disability and SSI program besides the actual amount of benefits paid to claimants. For instance, the amount of earnings necessary to earn a quarter of coverage (QC) increases from $1,200.00 to $1,220.00 and the tax exempt amount of retirement earnings also adjust.

Other important issues/numbers are:

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA):

• Non-blind: 2014: $1,070.00 2015: $1,090.00
• Blind: 2014: $1,80.00 2015: $1,820.00

Trial Work Period (TWP)

• 2014: $770.00 per month 2015: $780.00 per month

SSI:

• Individual: 2014: $721.00 per month 2015: $733.00 per month
• Couple: 2014: $1,082.00 per month 2014: $1,100.00 per month

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, Greeneville, Harriman, Dayton, Spring City, and Deer Lodge.