
Common ways individuals lose their benefits include:
- Medical improvement: In most cases, SSD beneficiaries are approved to receive benefits in connection with a debilitating injury or medical condition. ...
- Returning to work: If a beneficiary starts working again and earns a certain amount of money while receiving benefits, the SSA may determine that they are engaging in “substantial gainful ...
- Reaching retirement age: SSD beneficiaries who reach the full retirement age of 65 will no longer receive their benefits, since a person cannot collect both SSD and retirement benefits at ...
- Incarceration: If a person is convicted of a crime and sentenced to a period of incarceration, they will lose their benefits during the fulfillment of their sentence. ...
- Exceeding income or asset limits: By far the most common reason individuals lose their benefits is by having too much income. ...
- Returning to Work While on SSDI. ...
- Reaching Retirement Age While on SSDI. ...
- Being Incarcerated or Institutionalized While on SSDI. ...
- When Social Security Dependents Benefits May Stop. ...
- Going Above the Income or Asset Limits. ...
- Returning to Work. ...
- Turning the Age of 18. ...
- Changes in Living Situation.
How to stop claiming disability benefits?
- Have a non-work-related illness or injury
- Are pregnant, or
- Need to take Paid Family Leave to care for a sick relative or to bond with a new child.
- Note: PFL only provides benefits for up to eight weeks.
How long for SSI decision?
Unfortunately, decision writers have their own backlogs to deal with. However, back to the question at hand: how long does it take to receive an SSI decision? At the disability application, or initial claim, level, it can take 90 to 120 days, on average, to get a decision on a disability case.
How to get SSI reinstated?
What Do I Need to Do?
- Your Social Security payments stopped because you were making too much money after you returned to work
- You submitted your EXR application no later than five years after your benefits stopped
- You stopped working because of a condition that is the same as or closely related to the one you were receiving benefits for
Is it possible to live off of SSI?
Traditional retirement advice just isn’t feasible for a lot of Americans, but living off Social Security alone really is possible. It’s all in how you approach it. The overarching themes are cutting expenses and living modestly.

Can disability benefits be taken away?
Recipients of SSDI and SSI can have their disability benefits taken away for many reasons. The most common reasons relate to an increase in income or payment-in-kind. Individuals can also have their benefits terminated if they are suspected of fraud or convicted of a serious crime.
What would cause me to lose my disability benefits?
Exceeding income or asset limits: By far the most common reason individuals lose their benefits is by having too much income. SSDI beneficiaries may lose their benefits if they experience an increase in income from any source that pushes them over the individual income or asset limit.
Why would Social Security disability benefits be suspended?
If you realize that you've been overpaid or that you're at risk of being overpaid by Social Security due to your substantial work activity and wages, you may be able to request that your SSDI payments be suspended.
What affects Social Security disability benefits?
Generally, the day on which you receive your benefits depends on the birth date of the person on whose work record you receive benefits. For example, if you receive benefits as a retired or disabled worker, your benefits will be determined by your birth date.
How often is disability reviewed?
Expected, we'll normally review your medical condition within six to 18 months after our decision. Possible, we'll normally review your medical condition about every three years. Not expected, we'll normally review your medical condition about every seven years.
How long can you stay on Social Security disability?
To put it in the simplest terms, Social Security Disability benefits can remain in effect for as long as you are disabled or until you reach the age of 65. Once you reach the age of 65, Social Security Disability benefits stop and retirement benefits kick in.
Does Social Security disability watch you?
Unlike private insurance companies the SSA does not generally conduct surveillance investigations, but that doesn't mean that they can't or never will. Once you file a disability claim, the SSA looks for proof of your disability.
How much can you make on Social Security disability without being penalized?
During the 36-month extended period of eligibility, you usually can make no more than $1,350 ($2,260 if you are blind) a month in 2022 or your benefits will stop. These amounts are known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
How much money can you have in the bank on Social Security disability?
WHAT IS THE RESOURCE LIMIT? The limit for countable resources is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
What disqualifies Social Security?
Some American workers do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Workers who have not accrued the requisite 40 credits (roughly 10 years of employment) are not eligible for Social Security. Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security.
What medical conditions qualify for disability?
Special senses and speech, such as impaired hearing, sight or speech. Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. Cardiovascular illnesses, such as arrhythmia, congenital heart disease and heart failure. Digestive system, such as bowel or liver disease.
What is the most approved disability?
1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.
Why do people lose their SSDI benefits?
SSDI beneficiaries may lose their benefits if they experience an increase in income from any source that pushes them over the individual income or asset limit .
How long do SSDI benefits last?
While most individuals who are approved for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will continue to receive their entitled benefits for years to come without issue, it is important to remember that these benefits are not guaranteed to last forever. In fact, there are numerous ways in which a person’s benefits may be suspended or even terminated. If you are applying for SSD benefits or are already receiving monthly benefit checks, it is important to be aware of the various ways that your benefits can be cancelled.
What can be counted towards Social Security?
Acquired assets and income which can be counted towards these limits include alimony payments, private pensions, spousal income, parental income, or inherited assets. The last thing you want after going through the notoriously complex Social Security application process is to lose your benefits when you need them most.
How often do you have to be re-evaluated by the SSA?
Generally speaking, beneficiaries are medically re-evaluated by the SSA every three-to-seven years.
How long does it take to get disability if you are in prison?
If you are incarcerated for more than 30 days , your benefits are suspended. This suspension continues for the length of time that you are incarcerated.
What is a continuing disability review?
This is called a “Continuing Disability Review.” In this review, the SSA determines whether or not you are still disabled—and whether or not you’ll get SSDI benefits.
Can I volunteer for SSDI?
As a result, volunteering can cost you your SSDI benefits—even though you’re not making any money. However, that doesn’t mean you have to stop volunteering! After all, volunteering can be an exciting and fulfilling way to spend your time. Consider what kind of volunteering you’d like to do.
Can you receive both disability and retirement benefits at the same time?
You can’t receive both disability benefits and retirement benefits at the same time. As a result, when you reach retirement age, your SSDI benefits will stop and your retirement benefits will kick in.
Can I lose my SSDI benefits?
Not so fast! It’s actually possible to lose your SSDI benefits. Many SSDI benefits recipients have lost their benefits while they still needed them. (It’s unfortunate, we know.) Sometimes, a loss in benefits is due to a mistake; other times, it is unavoidable.
What happens if you go back to work?
If You Go Back To Work. If you're like most people, you would rather work than try to live on disability benefits. There are special rules that help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you test your ability to work. We call these rules "work incentives.".
Can you continue to receive disability benefits?
In most cases, you will continue to receive benefits as long as you are disabled. However, there are certain circumstances that may change your continuing eligibility for disability benefits. For example, your health may improve to the point where you are no longer disabled or you go back to work.
When will children stop receiving SSI?
Children who are receiving SSI will have their condition reevaluated according to the adult SSI standards when they turn 18, and depending on the SSA’s finding, this could cause their benefits to stop.
What are the factors that affect SSI income?
Some factors include, but are not limited to, an increase in income, free food or shelter, increase in assets, spousal income, and/or parental income.
Do you get disability benefits after a review?
These “continuing disability reviews” are generally less strict than the standards used when applying for disability, and most disability beneficiaries continue to receive benefits after their review.
Does SSI stop if you return to work?
SSI benefits will stop if the recipient returns to work and engages in SGA. However, trial work periods are not available under the SSI program. SSI does have a Ticket to Work Program and a “Plan for Achieving Self-Support, however.
Can you stop receiving Social Security Disability?
Once they’ve finally received their disability, the last thing anyone wants to experience is having their benefits stop. Yet, there are certain reasons why payments may cease and be taken away due to policy. Of course, SSD and SSI are very different, but it’s important to know what can cause your Social Security Disability to be terminated.
Social Security Disability Insurance and an Inheritance
The SSA provides two disability programs. Social Security Disability Insurance is for disabled individuals who have worked long enough to be eligible. SSDI is funded through Social Security payroll taxes.
Supplemental Security Income and Inheritance
The other program the SSA offers is Supplemental Security Income. SSI is available for blind people, disabled children, and disabled adults with limited work histories. However, unlike SSDI, SSI is a needs-based program. To be eligible for SSI, the SSA will look at your income, assets, and other financial resources.
Calculating Income for Purposes of Supplemental Security Income
You now know that an inheritance will affect your SSI benefits. The next question is probably, “how?” The SSA does not count all income towards your SSI limit. However, your inheritance will be calculated towards your limit unless it is protected under a special account.
Protecting Your Inheritance if You Receive Supplemental Security Income
There are a few ways you could protect your SSI benefits if you are going to inherit property or money. First, you should speak with our Pennsylvania disability lawyers to provide legal advice and guidance.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Lawyers if You Expect an Inheritance and are Receiving Disability Benefits
An inheritance is often the way a loved one provides for those they care for. However, if the beneficiary is receiving Social Security Disability, the inheritance might not provide the anticipated financial benefit. In some cases, a sudden windfall could result in the loss of much-needed monthly benefit payments.
Why did my SSDI stop?
What Can Cause SSDI Benefits to Stop? The most common reason for someone's Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits to stop is because they have returned to work. While in some cases it's possible to work while continuing to receive SSDI payments, there are specific rules you need to follow.
How long does it take for SSDI to stop?
Your SSDI benefits will be suspended after 30 days of incarceration (unless you participate in a rehabilitation program) and will be reinstated the month following your release.
What is SGA in SSDI?
If you return to work while receiving SSDI benefits, the SSA will want to determine if you are engaging in " substantial gainful activity " (SGA). The biggest factor in determining if work qualifies as SGA is the amount a person is paid.
What age can I stop receiving Social Security?
Turning the Age of 18. Children who are receiving SSI will have their condition reevaluated according to the adult SSI standards when they turn 18, and depending on the SSA's decision, this could cause their benefits to stop.
How often does the SSA review a disability claim?
The SSA periodically reviews the case of all beneficiaries (usually every three or seven years) to determine whether they are still disabled.
What is the income limit for Social Security in 2021?
In 2021, the individual income limit for SSI is $794 per month, and the asset limit is $2,000. While SSI recipients should be aware of these limits, determining whether you are over the income limit can be ...
Can you stop receiving dependent benefits based on someone else's earnings?
If you are receiving dependents benefits based on someone else's earnings record, there are additional changes that can cause your benefits to stop, such as getting married (under certain circumstances), turning a certain age, or a change in living arrangements. For example, if your parent receives SSDI and you are receiving benefits based on their ...
When do child benefits stop?
The child's benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or is disabled.
What is the work incentive for Social Security?
There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, ...
Does Social Security pay for partial disability?
Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true: You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.
Why do I lose my SSDI?
Before returning to work it is important to talk to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA does offer incentives to return to work, and it could be possible for you to receive benefits for a time while you make efforts to work.
Can I lose my Social Security if I work too much?
So should be worried about losing your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits? No, if you do not go back to work and earn too much money or work too many hours, you continue to get sufficient medical care, and your condition remains severe and debilitating, it is unlikely you will lose SSDI benefits.
1. You return to work performing substantial gainful activity
Many SSDI recipients may decide to attempt to return to work. The SSA encourages this and has created a program called the Trial Work Program that will allow you to return to work and continue to receive SSDI for a specific amount of time.
2. You reach your full retirement age
SSDI applicants will also have their SSDI benefits automatically converted to SSA retirement benefits when they reach the full retirement age. There seems to be some confusion about why this happens, but it is clearly stated in SSA policy. SSDI claimants WILL NOT get SSDI and SSA retirement at the same time.
3. The SSA performs a Continuing Disability Review and determines you are no longer disabled
Claimants may have their SSDI and SSI benefits terminated after a Continuing Disability Review. This type of termination is because the SSA has determined you are no longer disabled. This termination, however, can be challenged and you have rights throughout the entire process, including hiring a disability lawyer.
4. You are sent to prison
Whether you are receiving SSI or SSDI if you are in prison your benefits will be suspended. For SSI if you are incarcerated for more than 12 consecutive months your SSI benefits will be terminated by the Social Security Administration and you will have to submit a new SSI application to the SSA when you are released.

Continuing Disability Reviews
- About every three years a recipient’s case must undergo a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). The CDR is conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make sure the recipient still meets the eligibility requirements for disability, or if his or her condition has improved so much t…
Working Too Much
- One of the basic disability requirements is that the disability prevents the person from working at the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)level (for 2021 this means earning $1,310 a month or more.) When a Social Security disability recipient undergoes a periodic review, the SSA will review the recipient’s earnings. If the recipient is earning above the SGA amount, disability benefits will be s…
Turning 18
- If a child receives SSI benefits because of a disability, the SSA will conduct a re-determination of eligibility when the child turns 18. During the re-determination period, the SSA will continue to pay benefits to the child. The SSA will review the records of the almost 18-year-old to see if the child is eligible to keep receiving disability benefits, reviewing the case under adult disability standards. I…
Incarceration
- If a disability recipient is incarcerated, for either a felony or misdemeanor, his or her benefits will be stopped, either temporarily or permanently. When the benefits stop depend on whether the recipient is getting Social Security or SSI benefits. SSI.Benefits for SSI will be suspended after one month of incarceration. For example, if the recipient’s sentence begins on January 1, benefits wil…
Retirement
- When a disability recipient who is eligible for retirement reaches full retirement age, his or her Social Security disability benefits will simply convert from disability benefits to retirement benefits. Because full retirement benefits are generally equal to SSDI payments, benefit amounts will not change.
Changes in Assets Or Income
- For SSI recipients, changes in assets or income can result in a loss or reduction of benefits. Income. The SSA counts both earned (wages) and unearned (such as alimony) income toward the income limit. For 2021, the individual income limit is $794; income over that amount can cause a reduction in benefits. Assets.To be eligible for SSI, a person cannot have more than $2,000 in as…
Death
- An individual’s disability benefits cease at death. However, the person’s family members may become eligible for survivor or widow(er) benefits.
See An Expert
- If your benefits have been stopped, it may be helpful to speak with an experienced disability attorney to discuss your case.
Can I Lose My Social Security Disability Benefits?
Returning to Work
Volunteering
Medical Improvement
Going to Prison Or Institution
- Going to prison or another penal institution because you’ve been convicted of a crime may result in lost disability benefits. If you are incarcerated for more than 30 days, your benefits are suspended. This suspension continues for the length of time that you are incarcerated. In many cases, your benefits are reinstated the month after your release...
Reaching Retirement Age
Questions? Call Us!