Can I Lose My Disability Benefits?
When your Social Security disability (SSD) benefits were approved, you probably breathed a big sigh of relief. Many people who are approved for SSD continue to receive those benefits until they reach full retirement age. Then, they are transitioned to Social Security retirement benefits. The amount of benefits stays the same, so many people don’t even notice that change. But in some situations, SSD benefits are terminated or suspended before the recipient reaches retirement age.
Why Can SSD Benefits Be Terminated?
The biggest reason SSD benefits terminate–other than the transition to retirement benefits–is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer considers you disabled. This typically happens in one of two ways:
Your Medical Condition Improves
You don’t have to be permanently disabled to receive SSD benefits. In fact, people often receive SSD benefits for conditions that are unlikely to be permanent. For example, a person might get SSD benefits because they are disabled by cancer, but go through treatment and improve enough to return to work. Similarly, disability due to an injury might last longer than the minimum required 12 months, but not be permanent. And, medical solutions are always improving, so a condition that wasn’t treatable when you were approved for SSD may become more manageable, or even curable.
How often the SSA reviews your medical eligibility depends on your condition and how likely you are to improve.
You’re Making Too Much Money from Work
Part of the SSA’s definition of “disabled” is that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If your earnings from work exceed a certain threshold while you’re on SSD, it will trigger a trial work period. If you exceed that amount in nine out of 60 months, the SSA will start to transition you away from SSD benefits.
Other Reasons You Could Lose SSD Benefits
There are also reasons you could lose SSD benefits for as long as certain circumstances exist. For example, if you move to a country where the SSA can’t pay benefits, you could lose benefits for as long as you are in that country. If you’re in jail or prison for more than 30 days, your SSD benefits will be suspended. However, you can request reinstatement when you are released.
A Disability Benefits Advocate Can Help
This is just one of the many aspects of SSD that can be complicated and confusing. Whether you are just applying for SSD, have been denied and want to appeal, or believe your benefits have been wrongfully terminated, Disability Help Group can be your best resource. To learn more, call us at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
