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If you’ve been approved for Social Security Disability benefits, one of the key questions many people have is about Medicare coverage. Medicare isn’t just for people 65 and older it also provides health insurance for adults under 65 who qualify for disability benefits. Here’s what happens: once you’ve received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit payments for 24 months, you automatically become eligible for Medicare. This waiting period generally means your coverage starts in the 30th month of disability benefits. Medicare coverage for people with disabilities includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You can also choose to enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (prescription drug coverage). Once you’re enrolled, Medicare helps pay for hospital stays, doctor visits, medical tests, and prescription medications, giving you peace of mind that your health care needs are covered. Being approved for disability is an important milestone, and understanding your Medicare eligibility ensures you can access the care and benefits you need without delay. Call our medicare hotline today for more information. (248) 780-8193

You may have heard of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs provide financial assistance to people with disabilities; they differ in purpose, eligibility, and funding. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on your work history. You qualify if you have worked long enough and paid into Social Security taxes, and you have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. SSDI pays a monthly benefit based on your previous earnings and can also provide benefits to your dependents. After a waiting period, SSDI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicare. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, including children and adults. SSI does not require a work history. It provides monthly cash assistance to help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and housing. SSI recipients may also qualify for Medicaid for healthcare coverage. SSDI = work-based, income-independent, tied to Social Security contributions SSI = need-based, limited-income program, open to anyone who meets financial and medical criteria We can help you determine your eligibility, prepare your application, and increase your chances of approval. Call us today! (833) 438-7734

What is  Residual Functional Capacity or RFC? Ordinarily, RFC is a function-by-function assessment of an individual's maximum ability to do sustained work-related physical and mental activities on a regular and continuing basis (8 hours a day, for 5 days a week) despite the limitations and restrictions resulting from his or her medically determinable impairments. In short, it accounts for an individual’s capacity for full-time work.  Physical RFC (PRFC) is an individual’s medical condition evaluated in terms of the physical demands of work used in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT)  and SCO. Mental RFC (MRFC) is evaluated in terms of the mental demands of work set out in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) . The sole purpose of assessing RFC is to determine an individual’s ability to work at steps 4 and 5. Limitations Define activity levels beyond which an individual is physically unable to perform on a sustained basis. Restrictions: Define activity levels beyond which it would be medically ill-advised for an individual to perform on a sustained basis. ​ Restrictions Define activity levels beyond which it would be medically ill-advised for an individual to perform on a sustained basis.

If a child has a severe impairment that doesn’t exactly match a Social Security listing, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may still consider whether the impairment functionally equals the listings. This means the condition must cause significant limitations, either “marked” limitations in two areas of functioning or an “extreme” limitation in one area. When evaluating functional equivalence, the SSA looks at how the impairment affects daily life, including what a child can’t do, struggles to do, or needs help with. They consider all impairments together, even those that may not seem severe on their own, as well as the impact of medications, treatments, and supportive environments. Functioning is assessed across six broad domains: Acquiring and using information Attending and completing tasks Interacting and relating with others Moving about and manipulating objects Caring for yourself Health and physical well-being The SSA compares a child’s performance in daily activities at home, school, and in the community to that of other children their age. Limitations in these areas may help establish that an impairment functionally equals the listing, which can be crucial in a successful disability claim. If your child’s impairments significantly affect their daily life but don’t match a listing exactly, we can help present your case effectively and ensure all functional limitations are fully considered. Call us at (833) 438-7734 for a free consultation for you or your child.

The very first Step of the 5 Step Sequential Evaluation where a person could potentially be approved for benefits. Medical evidence on an applicant's impairment is assessed under step 3 using codified clinical criteria called the  Listing of Impairments , which includes over 100 impairments. Applicants with impairments that “meet” the Listings are allowed without further evaluation, based solely on medical criteria.  In other words, benefits are awarded at this step, and steps 4 and 5 are not evaluated. ​ Children also have a comparable Listing of Impairments  that, if they meet or equal a Child Listing, they will be found disabled and allowed benefits.

Trusted links to governmental and state websites that offer assistance and helpful information for those looking for monetary, financial, and legal help. Social Security Administration Website https://www.ssa.gov/ SSA Operating Manual https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/ SSA Forms https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ SSA Publications https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/ Ticket to Work https://www.ssa.gov/work/ Michigan Food Bank https://www.fbcmich.org/ Housing assistance https://communityhousingnetwork.org / or https://community.solutions/ State of Michigan Assistance https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US Medicare https://www.medicare.gov/ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services https://www.cms.gov/

We Have Wrapped Up Another Year 2025 is over and 2026 has just begun. Below are some highlights and reminders as we move forward in the new year. Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) 2026 COLA increase is 2.8% and should be reflecting in monthly payments already. SSI Payment Information Maximum SSI payments for 2026 is $994.00. Just as a reminder, this is the maximum your total amount may be decreased for a variety of reasons. Earnings and Work Amount Updates The amount for initial monetary qualifications (SGA) rose to $1,690.00. Trial work period amounts increased to $1,210.00. Attorney Fee Limits Attorneys are statutorily limited to 25% of an awarded back benefit, and we are unable to receive more than $9,200.00 in fees when a fee agreement has been signed. The Social Security Administration continues to determine and pay attorney fees. Medicare and Medicaid in Michigan In Michigan, Medicaid is still available to disabled people. Medicare is still available to those who are disabled and receiving SSD, after the traditional two-year waiting period from the first monthly payment received by the disabled individual. Social Security Administration Update The Social Security Administration recently swore in as the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the attorney-fee cap for Social Security Disability cases (both SSDI and SSI) will remain $9,200 or 25% of your past-due benefits , whichever amount is lower. Fee Petitions   If your representative uses a fee petition instead of a standard fee agreement, the fee must be approved by the Judge assigned to your case. The approved fee may differ from the standard fee-agreement limit. Always review the terms of your specific fee petition. Social Security Service Fee   Social Security charges all representatives a processing fee when fees are paid directly to them. This amount is taken out of the representative’s fee, not yours. For 2026, the service fee is $123.00. Representatives are not allowed to ask claimants to pay this fee. Costs Not Included in the Representative’s Fee   Attorney or representative fees do not  include the cost of obtaining medical records or other documents needed for your claim. If your representative pays these costs upfront, they may bill you separately for reimbursement. This also does not  include any medical bills from your own doctors, hospitals, or clinics. If your representative sends you to an additional doctor for your case, ask whether you may be responsible for those charges. What You Should Ask Before Signing   Before agreeing to representation, make sure you understand: What the attorney or representative’s fee will be What additional costs you may be responsible for Whether you must pay for medical records or other expenses if you do not  win your case You should always ask what the fee is, what other fees you may be responsible for, and if you are unsuccessful in being awarded benefits, will you be responsible for any costs for medical records or other records, or even doctor office visits that the attorney or representative, or firm may send you to.  (You are always responsible for your own doctor’s/hospital's, and clinic bills.  This references a doctor that your representative makes you go to.) Asking these questions early helps you avoid unexpected costs and ensures you know exactly what to expect during your claim.

Great news for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)  for 2026. This automatic increase is designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and preserve the purchasing power of their monthly payments*. While the headline is encouraging, the real-world impact, especially for those enrolled in Medicare, warrants a closer look. What Is COLA and How Is It Calculated? The COLA is not a bonus; it’s a safeguard. Each year, the SSA calculates the COLA based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W)  during the third quarter (July–September) compared to the same period in the last year a COLA was applied. 2026 COLA : 2.8% increase Purpose : To offset inflation and maintain benefit value Critique : CPI-W may underrepresent cost increases in housing and health care: key expenses for seniors and disabled individuals  Impact on SSDI and SSI Payments 1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Average Monthly Benefit : Increasing from $1,586  to approximately $1,630 Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) : Non-blind: $1,690/month  (up from $1,620) Blind: $2,830/month  (up from $2,700) These thresholds affect eligibility for disability status and trial work periods. 2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Maximum Monthly Payment : Individual: $994  (up from $967) Couple: $1,491  (up from $1,450) Student Earned Income Exclusion : Monthly limit: $2,410 Annual limit: $9,730 Resource Limits : Unchanged at $2,000 (individual) and $3,000 (couple) Medicare Part B Premium Offset While the COLA increases gross benefit amounts, Medicare Part B premiums are deducted directly from SSDI payments , and they’re rising sharply in 2026: Estimated Increase : Nearly 12% , pushing the standard Part B premium to approximately $190/month , up from $170.10 Net Impact : For many SSDI beneficiaries, the $44 COLA increase may be consumed mainly by the $20+ hike in Medicare premiums Hold Harmless Provision There is a partial safeguard: the hold harmless rule  prevents your Social Security check from decreasing due to a Part B premium hike. However, this protection doesn’t apply to: New Medicare enrollees Those who pay higher income-related premiums Dual eligibles whose premiums are paid by Medicaid Medicaid and Dual Eligibility For beneficiaries with low income and limited resources , Medicaid may help offset the rising cost of Medicare premiums: SSI Recipients In most states , SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid Medicaid may cover Medicare Part B premiums , deductibles , and copayments This dual coverage significantly reduces out-of-pocket medical costs SSDI Recipients SSDI does not automatically qualify  you for Medicaid However, if your income is low enough, you may qualify for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) These programs can: Pay your Part B premium Cover cost-sharing  (deductibles, coinsurance) Provide full Medicaid benefits  in some cases Dual Eligibility If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (known as dual eligibility ), you may receive: Medicare  for primary coverage Medicaid  for supplemental support, including long-term care and prescription costs This coordination can dramatically reduce your medical expenses and protect your COLA increase from being eroded by rising premiums. What to Expect and What to Watch For SSA Notices : Personalized letters detailing your new benefit amount and Medicare deductions will arrive in December No Action Needed : The COLA and premium adjustments are automatic Budget Planning : Beneficiaries should factor in the Medicare offset and explore Medicaid eligibility if income is limited The 2.8% COLA for 2026 is a welcome adjustment, but for SSDI recipients enrolled in Medicare, the net gain may be modest unless Medicaid steps in. SSI recipients, who are often automatically enrolled in Medicaid, will see a more apparent increase. For those with dual eligibility, Medicaid can be a powerful buffer against rising health care costs.\ Examples of how the increases affect payments; not meant to reflect what any specific individual will receive or qualify for.  All claimants must check their individual accounts and amounts for qualifications.  States vary in what they provide and in their requirements. Please check with your state’s Health and Human Resources department. Questions? We are here to answer any questions you may have related to Social Security Disability or Medicare. Call us today! (833) 438-7734 * This is only a general guide to the COLA increase. Each person and situation may be different. If you have any questions regarding your personal situation, please contact us at (833) 438-7734. We may be able to help. This article doesn’t mean you are entitled to any benefits or resources listed; this is just a general overview and guide. This may not apply to you or anyone you may know.

When the government isn’t paying what people are expecting to get and they cannot work because they are disabled and in the process of applying for disability benefits, what can be done? As Federal Disability Lawyers, we do not have anything at our disposal for any clients, whether in a shutdown or not to help people who are, no doubt, in a bad situation.  People cannot work because of their disabilities and they do not have any money for anything because they cannot work.  This unfortunate situation plays out whether there is a government shutdown or not.  We have compiled the following resources that MAY be able to help those in need while the government figures out its next steps.  We are NOT affiliated with any of these organizations, nor do we work with them, nor do we acknowledge that they will be able to help or guarantee anything regarding these potential places of assistance*.    Food Assistance Options Detroit Emergency Food Network  Offers hot meals and groceries  to SNAP recipients affected by delays. There are 85+ distribution sites  across Detroit, some open multiple days a week. Visit detroitmi.gov for the map and schedule. Michigan 211  Dial 2-1-1  or visit mi211.org to connect with food pantries, housing help, utility assistance, and more. They’ve seen a 200% surge  in food-related requests, so they’re actively expanding support. Food Bank Council of Michigan  Use their distribution map to find your nearest food bank. Many offer home delivery  and diet-sensitive options , especially for seniors. Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Detroit)  Increasing appointments and hours to meet demand. They serve thousands of families monthly and expect that number to rise. United Community Family Services (Troy)  Experiencing a spike in food pantry registrations. They’re expanding capacity to meet the growing need. Feeding America & Hunger Free America  National databases to locate food banks and community fridges near you: Feeding America Locator Hunger Free America  Financial Relief and Support Starlight App (via CFCU)  Helps locate nearby food pantries, check eligibility for benefits, and get directions—all from your phone. Also offers financial tools like: $50 overdraft buffer Early paycheck access Flexible payment options  for groceries Learn more at cfcu.org . CloseEnuff™ Checking (CFCU)  Designed to help stretch your budget during uncertain times. Includes overdraft protection and early pay features. Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)  Coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and support services for older adults. Statewide Emergency Support Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM)  The state allocated $4.5 million  to FBCM to support food distribution in all 83 counties , including delivery for those without transportation. Michigan 2-1-1  A free, confidential service connecting people to 27,000+ programs  statewide. Call 2-1-1  or 844-875-9211  (24/7, 180+ languages) Text ZIP code to 898211 Search services Services include food, housing, utilities, transportation, and crisis support. MI Bridges  For updates on SNAP status, applications, and eligibility. Major Food Banks & Distribution Networks These organizations are expanding operations and accepting walk-ins or drive-ups: Organization Region Services Contact Gleaners Community Food Bank SE Michigan Drive-up food distributions, 35 lbs per household gleaners.org Forgotten Harvest Metro Detroit Fresh produce, protein boxes 1-888-544-8773 Fish & Loaves Taylor Saturday Fresh Market 734-442-0031 Capuchin Soup Kitchen Detroit Hot meals, groceries capuchin.org Greater Lansing Food Bank Mid-Michigan Pantry partners, delivery glfoodbank.org  LGBTQ+ Affirming Food Resources Ruth Ellis Center (Detroit)  Hot meals and food backpacks for LGBTQ+ youth MiGen  Monthly food boxes for LGBTQ+ seniors in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Macomb Ferndale Community Center  Monthly pantry open to all Stand with Trans  Nutrition support for LGBTQ+ youth 13–24 in Detroit Additional Financial Relief Double Up Food Bucks  Matches SNAP purchases of fruits/vegetables up to $20/day. Call 866-586-2796  (M–F, 9–5) Emergency State Funding  Michigan Senate passed a $71M bill  to support food banks, surplus produce systems, and emergency assistance. ***This is a list of local resources for food and financial assistance, our office does not work with and is not affliated with any of these resources. We cannot help you with contacting these services nor can we help you acquire these services. Please do NOT call our office if you are not able to get help or through to these resources.  We are NOT affiliated with any of them and are only offering this list as potential resources for assistance.  Our office has not attempted to contact any of these locations and do not know if the numbers or links are up to date.***

Social Security has announced a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026. There are also increases to the monthly amount you can earn before you do not qualify for SSD benefits, regardless of your medical conditions.  The new SGA amount per month, effective January 1, 2026, is $1,693.00 Gross. For those who are attempting to work and receive SSD, the Trial Work Period figure has risen to $1,210.00 Gross per month.  As a reminder, TWP does not apply to SSI beneficiaries.

The COLA for 2026 has been announced, and it is an increase of 2.8% This adjustment will take effect on January 1, 2026. Anyone receiving SSD and/or SSI benefits will start receiving letters later this year, with the exact increase amount for your monthly payments. As always, SSI payments are dependent on the individual’s living situation, income, and/or assets, and the monthly payment can fluctuate. Please remember that payments are always a month behind, and the actual increase in benefit amount deposited into your account will not be noticed until your February deposit.