Measuring cost of living increases is rather complex. A recent report suggests that the benefits calculation may soon change. In particular, the cost of living adjustments, which are granted automatically to all recipients of Social Security, whether they are receiving SSD or retirement benefits, are currently the subject of discussions in Congress.
The current method, CPI-W, is pegged to the wage earner’s income. A proposed method for calculating SSD cost of living increases, chained CPI, is an even more complex calculation. Results from the two calculations differ by around 0.3%. That difference, however, may make all the difference to people like Ms. Warren.
Very few Social Security Disability benefit requests are granted on the first try. In almost all cases, you will need to hire a SSD attorney appeal your rejection. Since most SSD attorneys will work on contingency, meaning that they don’t get paid unless you get paid, it is worth your while to work with a lawyer rather than risk losing your benefits by striking out on your own.
