If you are receiving disability benefits in Michigan, your Social Security or VA disability pay is about to increase significantly. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the 2023 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and the increase is much higher than in previous years.
While the 2023 COLA increase is certainly good news for anyone already receiving disability benefits, not everyone has claimed the benefits they qualify for. The Michigan disability lawyers at the Disability Law Group can help you apply for disability benefits and make the most of them. Keep reading to learn more about how Social Security disability benefits will change in 2023, and contact us today if you need help with your claim.
2023 Disability Rates
According to the Social Security Administration, anyone receiving disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits will receive an 8.7% COLA increase in 2023. This is a much larger increase than last year, when benefits went up by 5.9 percent, or the 1.3 percent increase for 2021.
The particular amount recipients will receive in 2023 depends on their disability rating, whether they have dependents, and other factors. Nonetheless, this increase should make a substantial difference for anyone receiving Social Security benefits. The SSA says that, after the COLA increase, the average monthly payment for those receiving disability benefits will be $1,483. That compares with $1,364 per month before the COLA increase.
What Is Increasing?
The 8.7% COLA increase applies to the following benefits:
- Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
- VA disability benefits
There are other changes to disability benefits coming in 2023 as well. An SSA news release explains that the maximum earnings amount subject to Social Security taxes will increase from $147,000 to $160,200. Similarly, the earnings limit for those reaching full retirement age in 2023 is increasing to $56,520. If you are unsure how these changes impact your benefits, talk to a Michigan disability rights attorney.
When Does the Change Take Effect?
People receiving disability and retirement benefits should see the 8.7 percent COLA increase starting with their disability pay date in January 2023. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits will see their pay go up in late December 2022. Talk to a Michigan disability lawyer if you do not see any changes in your benefits in the coming months.
How a Michigan Disability Attorney Can Help You
Claiming disability benefits can be a complicated process. According to the SSA, less than one-third of Social Security disability claims are approved, even after appeal or reconsideration. A Michigan disability attorney can help you navigate this complicated process by:
- Explaining which benefits you may qualify for
- Gathering your medical records and other evidence to support your claim
- Filling out the necessary paperwork to reduce the chance of avoidable errors
- Helping you with any appeals if your initial claim is denied
Disability Law Group is here to help you claim the disability benefits you need and deserve. Call us today or visit our contact page for a free and confidential consultation.
