How long will Social Security disability benefits pay?

Q: I am a 50-year-old man who has received Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) for the last four years. My two children also receive SSDI. Assuming I'm still disabled, how long can I continue to receive SSDI? And will my current amount increase or decrease over time? — Andre Holmes, Chicago

A: In most cases, you will continue to receive Social Security disability benefits as long as you are disabled, says William "BJ" Jarrett, a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Baltimore.

"However, there are certain circumstances that may change your eligibility for disability benefit," he says. For example, your health may improve to the point where you are no longer disabled or you would like to go back to work.

Of note, the law requires that the SSA review your case from time to time to verify that you are still disabled. The SSA will tell you if it is time to review your case, and Uncle Sam also keeps you informed about your benefit status. "You also should be aware that you are responsible for letting us know if your health improves or you go back to work," says Jarrett.

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FYI: Effective January 2015, there was a 1.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients. Your Social Security benefits typically increase if there is an increase in the cost of living as measured by the consumer price index.

The last time we had no COLA was in January 2011 and January 2012, so it is possible that you won't get an increase in 2016. Of note, it appears as if Social Security recipients will not see a cost-of-living adjustment in their benefits next year, according to an InvestmentNews report.

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Robert Powell is editor of Retirement Weekly, contributes regularly to USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch. Got questions about money? Emailrpowell@allthingsretirement.com.