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What Could Cause Your Social Security Disability Benefits to End?


Probably the hardest part about Social Security disability benefits is actually getting them. To receive them, you have to meet strict eligibility requirements. You have to be, for the most part, unable to work. Many people are denied the first time around because they lack evidence or are missing portions of the claim.

Once you are approved and start receiving benefits, you can relax, right? Well, not necessarily. Your benefits will not last forever. They can end when you reach certain milestones, such as reaching retirement age or going back to work. Therefore, if you’re not physically or financially capable of returning to work, you need to ensure you protect your benefits. Here are some reasons why your benefits could suddenly end.

Reaching Retirement Age

While Social Security does provide both disability and retirement benefits, the programs are very different. This means that when you become eligible for retirement benefits, your disability benefits may come to an end. You typically won’t be able to receive both types of benefits unless you took an early retirement and then were determined to be disabled.

Returning to Work

Social Security Disability benefits are in place to provide income for those who are too disabled to work. Therefore, if your condition has improved to the point where you can return to work, your benefits will likely end.

The Social Security Administration does encourage recipients to return to work through its Ticket to Work program. A Trial Work Period is also available, in which you continue to receive benefits while earning as much as you can. This lasts nine months, with every $880 in earnings counting as one work month. If you can return to work, you certainly should, but just know that you won’t be able to earn too much income and keep receiving benefits.

You Are No Longer Disabled

Once you meet the definition of disability, you will receive benefits. However, your case will be reviewed periodically to ensure you are still disabled. After all, medical conditions can improve over time. Your case will be reviewed between every six months and every 5-7 years, depending on whether or not medical improvement is anticipated.

You can be considered to be no longer disabled without a case review. For example, if you have not been complying with your medical treatment or if it has been discovered that you have been working and earning income, your benefits may end.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits

Getting approved for Social Security disability benefits is not an easy task, so be sure to do what you can to hold onto these benefits for as long as possible. An improved medical condition, earning too much money and having too many assets can jeopardize your benefits.

White Plains Social Security disability lawyer Michael Lawrence Varon can help you maximize your benefits and hold onto them for as long as possible. We can help you protect them. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 914-294-2145.




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