If you have gone through the application process and are currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you should pay close attention to the payment amount. After all, as CNBC reports, the Social Security Administration has increased benefits payments by 5.9% to account for inflation.
The 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment is higher than it has been in roughly three decades. With your benefits increase, you should have an easier time affording the goods and services you need to survive. Still, if you have not noticed an increase, you need to determine why.
When should you receive the increase?
While some SSDI recipients received the COLA in December 2021, the majority of recipients began receiving increased payments in January 2022. To know whether you are receiving higher payments, compare your 2022 payments with those you received in 2021.
Regardless of whether you receive your SSDI payments by check, direct deposit or on the Direct Express card, you should automatically see an increase in your payment amount. That is, you should have to take no additional action to receive your COLA increase.
Why are you missing your increase?
The SSA has automated its payment systems. While it is not likely, missing payment increases may be due to a computer error. If that is the case, you may be able to resolve the issue by calling the SSA or scheduling an in-person appointment.
Remember, though, SSDI benefits are not free from garnishment. This means if you owe money for child support, alimony, taxes, criminal restitution or certain other reasons, you may not receive your full benefits payment. If your garnishment happened recently, you may erroneously believe the garnishment is a missing COLA.
Ultimately, because it is important to receive the SSDI benefits you deserve, you should always confirm you are getting the correct payment amount.