Social Security’s Red Book is a good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Social Security disability process. The Red Book is a general reference tool designed to provide a working knowledge of provisions. The Red Book is primarily for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve persons with disabilities. Social Security also expects that applicants and beneficiaries will use it as a self-help guide. The latest version of the Red Book was published in 2017, but Social Security does provide new information about disability rules each year.
What’s New In 2018
In 2018, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount increased from$1,170 to $1,180 for non-blind individuals and from $1,950 to $1,970 for blind individuals.
The monthly earnings amount that we use to determine if a month counts for the Trial Work Period month increased from $840 to $850 per month in 2018.
In 2018, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) increased from $735 to $750 per month for an eligible individual and $1,103 to $1,125 per month for an eligible couple.
In 2018, the amount of earnings that will have no effect on eligibility or benefits for SSI beneficiaries who are students increased from $7,200 to $7,350 a year. The amount of earnings that we can exclude each month, until we have excluded the maximum for the year, increased from $1,790 to $1,820 a month.
For 2018, the monthly Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Base Premium is $422 and the 45 percent Reduced Premium is $232. The Part B Supplemental Medical Insurance monthly base premium is $134.00 (or higher depending on your income). However, most people who get Social Security benefits will pay less than this amount. This is because the Part B premium is more than the cost-of-living increase for 2018 Social Security benefits. If you pay your Part B premium through your Social Security benefit, you’ll pay less ($130 on average). Social Security will tell you the exact amount you will pay for Part B in 2018. For more information, see link for “How much does Part B cost?”: www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs/part-b-costs.html.
