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End-of-Year SSDI Checklist (2025 → 2026): What Pittsburgh Claimants Should Do Now

By Kari Panza • 11/12/2025

Why year-end matters for SSDI

The last weeks of the year are a smart time to tighten up your paperwork, confirm medical evidence, and plan around rules that change each January (like SGA and work-incentive thresholds). Doing this now can prevent delays—or overpayments—in 2026.

 

1) Confirm your 2025 earnings versus SGA

For 2025, the monthly SGA is $1,620 for non-blind claimants and $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals. If you consistently earn above SGA while applying or appealing, SSA may decide you’re performing “substantial” work. (Social Security)

Quick tip: Keep a clean file of paystubs and impairment-related work expenses (IRWEs) you paid out-of-pocket (e.g., specialized transportation, job-coaching). IRWEs can reduce “countable” earnings.

 

2) Know your Trial Work Period (TWP) months for 2025

If you’re already on SSDI and test work, a month counts toward your TWP if you earned $1,160+ in 2025. You get nine TWP months within a rolling 60-month window, regardless of how much you make in those months. (Social Security)

 

3) Tighten medical evidence before the holidays

  • Ask providers for updated opinions tying your functional limits to specific work restrictions (standing/sitting tolerance, lifting limits, off-task time, absenteeism).

  • If you’ve had new imaging, ER visits, or specialist referrals since summer, get those records requested now so they’re in the file before any early-2026 decisions/hearings.

4) If you receive SSI, remember reporting and resource rules

Even small changes—income, gifts, help with food/shelter—can affect SSI. Pennsylvania does not add a separate statewide supplement for all recipients, so your federal SSI payment level changes with the SSA COLA each January. (SSA posts annual SSI federal rates tied to COLA.) (Social Security)

 

5) Watch for the 2026 COLA announcement timing

SSA announces the next year’s COLA each October—but 2026’s announcement has been delayed into late October 2025 due to the federal shutdown. Expect updated notices before January 2026; your actual payment adjustments still flow with January benefits. (AP News)

 

6) Avoid overpayments: report promptly

If your income or living situation changed in 2025 (new job, hours, marriage/divorce, household support), report quickly. SSA updated waiver guidance to make overpayment decisions fairer, but prevention is best. (Social Security)

 

7) Considering a hearing in 2026? Prepare now

  • Draft a function report that’s detailed but consistent with medical notes.

  • Line up witness statements (spouse, coworker, supervisor).

  • If you’re near SGA levels, get advice before you change hours or duties.

Local help in Western Pennsylvania

Panza Legal Services focuses on SSDI and represents claimants throughout the Pittsburgh region. 

 

Have questions about year-end planning? Call (412) 850-4100 or (833) GO-PANZA for a free consultation. (panzalegal.com)

 

 

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