Articles Posted in SSDI Updates

December is the month when paperwork choices ripple into next year’s medical access and costs. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance and are on Medicare, or will be eligible soon, Open Enrollment is your chance to make sure the plan you use on January 1 fits your medications, specialists, and budget. Because plan formularies and networks change every year, standing still can be as risky as making the wrong choice. Here is how to check your options, avoid common pitfalls, and protect your SSDI case from unintended consequences.

Start With Your Medications And Doctors

Begin by making a fresh list of your daily medications, including exact names, dosages, and the pharmacies you prefer. For each plan you are considering, check whether those drugs are covered, what tier they fall into, and whether prior authorization or step therapy is required. A plan that looks inexpensive on the premium can become costly if your key medication moves to a higher tier. Next, verify that your specialists and hospitals remain in-network for 2026. This is especially important for Bostonians receiving care at large systems such as MGB, BIDMC, or BMC; a slight network shift can mean longer travel time, fewer appointment options, or delays in procedures.

Receiving a denial of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits is stressful at any time of year, and when it happens during the holidays, it can feel overwhelming. You may be trying to manage family obligations, travel, and end-of-year finances. Yet, the Social Security Administration still expects you to meet strict deadlines and follow detailed appeal procedures.

The good news is that a denial is not the end of your claim. Most SSDI cases are initially denied, but many are later approved on appeal, especially when the applicant has received legal guidance. Below is a clear, practical overview of how SSDI appeals work, how holiday schedules can affect your deadlines, and when to reach out to Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for help

Understanding SSDI and the Appeal Process

If you rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), September brought several changes and deadlines worth your attention. Below, we break down what’s new, what’s coming next, and how these updates affect beneficiaries in Massachusetts and across the United States. As always, if you have questions about eligibility, denials, appeals, or overpayment notices, we at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers are here to help at (617) 777-7777.

The Big One: Electronic-Only Payments Deadline (September 30)

Federal benefits, including SSDI, are moving away from paper checks. September 30 marks the cut-off for beneficiaries who still receive a physical check to switch to an electronic option. This is designed to reduce the loss or theft of checks, expedite delivery, and lower administrative costs.

Several updates to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are set to take effect in 2025, impacting beneficiaries and applicants alike. Our law firm provides an overview of the key changes: 

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): SSDI benefits will increase by 2.5% in 2025, reflecting the annual COLA designed to offset inflation. This adjustment raises the average SSDI benefit to approximately $1,580, with the maximum benefit reaching $4,018 monthly.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Thresholds: In 2025, the SGA thresholds, which determine the maximum earnings allowed while maintaining SSDI eligibility, will rise. For non-blind individuals, the SGA limit increases from $1,550 to $1,620 per month, and for blind individuals, it rises from $2,590 to $2,700 per month. 

Contact Information