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Once the Social Security Administration approves your Social Security disability benefits, you may continue to receive disability benefits indefinitely. However, some events can cause your disability benefits to stop. If your Social Security disability benefits stop, a Texas disability attorney may help you get your benefits restarted if a mistake or error caused your benefits to stop.
Five Things That Can Cause Your Social Security Benefits to Stop
Five common reasons Social Security disability benefits terminate include:
1. You Are No Longer Disabled
You must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. Periodically, the SSA may review your case to ensure that your condition continues to meet the qualifications of a disabling condition. The SSA may send you for an independent evaluation, have you complete an updated questionnaire, or conduct an interview. If your condition changes and the SSA deems you can work, your Social Security disability benefits stop.
2. You Are Incarcerated
If you are arrested and incarcerated, your SSDI and SSI benefits stop. You can reapply for Social Security disability benefits when you are released from jail. If your release is within 12 months, the SSA may reinstate your disability benefits without going through the application and approval process. You must contact the SSA and request reinstatement of benefits. You must provide proof of your release from prison or jail.
3. Your Resources Change
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are based on your financial need. If you receive income or property from other sources, you must report those assets to the SSA. The SSA re-evaluates your case to determine if you are still eligible for SSI benefits.
Depending on the amount of the resources or income, you could continue receiving SSI benefits, but your benefits may be reduced based on the amount of the income or resources. Resources could include income, free food or shelter, moving in with someone, spousal income, an increase in assets, and gifts.
4. Returning to Work
If you return to work while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) befits, your disability benefits may stop. Individuals receiving SSDI benefits can earn up to a certain amount each month without losing their SSDI benefits. For 2020, individuals who earn more than $1,260 per month or $2,110 per month if blind is not considered disabled under the SSA rules. Therefore, you could earn $1,000 a month and still receive SSDI benefits.
However, the SSA could review your case and determine that you do not meet the definition of disabled based on the amount of hours you are working or the type of work you are performing. The exception is the trial work period that allows SSDI benefits to continue for up to nine months to determine if the individual can return to work.
5. Reaching Retirement Age
When a person reaches retirement age, SSDI benefits stop because a person cannot receive Social Security disability benefits and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. SSDI stops, and the person receives retirement benefits based on the person’s work history.
Contact a Texas Disability Attorney if You Have Questions
Social Security disability benefits provide income for disabled individuals and their families. When those benefits stop, it can create a financial hardship that can result in devastating consequences. If your SSDI or SSI benefits stopped or you have questions about applying for Social Security disability benefits, contact the Law Office of Carey Thompson for help.