Can I Lose My Disability Benefits?

The process of applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can be tremendously complicated. However, once you have begun to receive payments through Social Security Disability Insurance, do not make the mistake of assuming that they are automatically yours forever. While many people will go on to receive a monthly check without interruption, a change in the circumstances for which you originally qualified can lead to the suspension or cancellation of your benefits. Below, our blog outlines some of the ways in which you may lose your SSD benefits.

Ways You May Lose Your SSD Benefits

1. Finding new employment: Just as with the SSD qualification process, you must meet certain financial requirements in order to maintain benefits. If at any point you become gainfully employed and your monthly income exceeds a specified amount, you may no longer be eligible to receive payments. The cap for monthly income is always subject to change, however, in 2016 the maximum amount was set to $1,130. It is also important to note that simply making less than this amount does not entitle you to benefits.
2. Falsifying information: If it is discovered that you have knowingly and purposefully provided false information to the Social Security Administration (SSA), your benefits can be halted. For a first offense, you may lose benefits for up to 6 months. Each subsequent violation can potentially double the amount of time your benefits are suspended.
3. Your health improves: While an improvement in your health can be a cause for celebration, it can also mean that your benefits will end. The Social Security Administration will re-evaluate the medical situation of SSD recipients every several years. If you do find your situation improving, it is important to structure your financial plans accordingly.
4. Reaching retirement: When you reach retirement age, any social security disability benefits that you receive will transfer over and be paid as retirement benefits. While this will not exactly cause benefits to stop, the distinction between receiving retirement and disability benefits can be important later on down the line.
5. Surpassing the Income threshold: It is not just finding a new job that can push recipients above the income threshold, any sudden influx of money can disqualify a person from receiving benefits. This can happen for any number of reasons including, inheritance, alimony, retirement plans, or pensions.
6. Imprisonment: If you are found to be guilty of a crime that is punishable by time in prison, your benefits will be halted until the completion of your sentence. In the case of particularly serious offenses, such as certain felonies, benefits may be revoked completely.

For many people, their Social Security Disability benefits can make up the bulk or entirety of their monthly income. Whether you currently receive benefits or are in the process of submitting an application, our Sacramento Social Security disability attorneys can help you to maximize the chances of securing the funds that you need. If you have any questions about your specific situation, do not waste any time in contacting Disability Action Advocates today.

Related Pages

• Practice Area: Social Security Disability
• Social Security Disability Do's and Don'ts

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