1. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)

The most common reason SSDI payments increase is the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
Each year, the SSA reviews inflation data and may raise benefits to keep pace with the rising cost of goods and services.

For example:

• In 2024, SSDI benefits increased by 3.2%.
• In 2025, a similar adjustment may apply depending on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).

These adjustments automatically apply to your monthly payments — you don’t need to reapply or request them.

2. Family or Dependent Benefits

If your family situation changes, your SSDI payment might increase. Eligible family members may receive auxiliary benefits based on your record, including:

• A spouse (age 62+ or caring for a child under 16)
• Children under age 18 (or 19 if still in high school)
• Disabled adult children

When these dependents are added to your record, your total household SSDI benefit can increase — sometimes up to 150%–180% of your individual benefit.

3. Changes in Your Work Record

If you worked additional years before becoming disabled, the SSA might recalculate your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which can increase your benefit amount.

This usually applies if you:

• Previously had low-earning years replaced by higher-earning years, or
• Were approved for retroactive benefits after additional earnings were credited to your record.

4. Back Pay and Retroactive Adjustments

If your SSDI claim took a long time to approve, you may be entitled to back pay covering the months between your disability onset date and your approval date.

This isn’t an increase to your ongoing benefit — but it can be a significant one-time payment that reflects what you were owed during that waiting period.

5. Medicare Cost Changes

Once you’ve been on SSDI for 24 months, you automatically qualify for Medicare coverage. While this doesn’t increase your SSDI payment directly, changes in Medicare Part B premiums can affect your take-home amount.

When premiums decrease or when COLA increases exceed premium hikes, you’ll effectively see more money in your monthly deposit.

6. Living Arrangements and Other Benefits

Kentucky doesn’t add extra state-funded payments to SSDI, but your net income can improve if your living situation changes — for example, if you:

• Move into affordable housing or assisted living,
• Qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to supplement your SSDI, or
• Receive Medicaid alongside Medicare, reducing out-of-pocket costs.

These changes don’t raise the SSDI payment itself but can increase your overall financial stability.

7. Periodic Benefit Reviews

The SSA may review your case periodically through a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).
If your medical condition worsens or your dependents’ eligibility changes, this review could result in an adjustment or increase to your total benefits.