This adjustment for inflation allowed the value of the SGA amount to stay the same as wages and prices rose. Indexing ceased in 1980. The SGA amount has been increased only once since that time. In 1999, 4.8 million disabled workers are expected to receive Social Security disability benefits and 4.3 million disabled adults are projected to receive SSI benefits. Currently, less than one-half of one percent of disability beneficiaries leave the rolls voluntarily and return to work.
Many beneficiaries hesitate to attempt work for fear of losing cash and medical benefits.
The increase in SGA is expected to encourage more disability beneficiaries to reenter the workforce. The SGA level for the blind is established by statute and is indexed. Comments may be inspected during these same hours by making arrangements with the contact person above, Jack Baumel. This post is from the Work Incentives Update listserv.