Are your SSI benefits stopped? Learn what caused your SSI benefits to stop and how to reinstate your disability benefits in this easy guide.
After you win or receive Social Security benefits, there are many ways the Social Security Administration (SSA) can stop or pause them. While it can be frightening, there are ways to start your benefits again.
Read on to learn how your benefits could stop and the steps to take to reinstate your benefits.
10 Common Reasons Why SSI Disability Benefits Stopped
There are occasions when the SSA can end a person’s disability benefits. Below are ten common reasons the SSA may stop your SSI disability benefits.
1. The SSA Conducted a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)
If the Social Security Administration conducts a Continuing Disability Review, you must respond to medical records requests. You may also need to attend a hearing, if applicable.
If you do not respond to the SSA’s request for medical records or attend the hearing, they may pause or stop your benefits until you rectify the situation.
2. Medical Condition Improved
If you get Social Security Income (SSI), your benefits are based on a mental or physical disability. If your mental or physical condition improves and you are no longer disabled, your benefits may stop.
3. Retirement
If you reach the eligible retirement age, your SSI benefits may automatically stop and switch to Social Security Disability benefits.
Visit the SSA website to learn about Retirement Benefits.
4. Turned the Age of 18
The SSA will review the records of most SSI recipients when they turn 18 to see if they are eligible to keep receiving disability benefits. Also, the SSA will review the case under adult disability standards.
Children who receive SSI benefits because of a disability will have their condition reevaluated when they turn 18. Depending on the SSA’s decision, this could cause their benefits to stop or continue.
However, those receiving disability benefits related to a parent’s condition or death may no longer be eligible.
5. Earned More than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit
If your SSI disability benefits stop after working again, you may have reached the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must not engage in Substantial Gainful Activity. If you earn more than the monthly SGA amount, the SSA will consider you as engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity.
Visit the SSA website to learn about Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
6. Trial Work Period (TWP) Ended
If your Trial Work Period ends and you exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity amount, your disability benefits may stop.
However, you may reinstate your benefits if you can no longer work in some situations.
7. Defaulted on Student Loan Payments
The SSA may stop your SSI disability benefits if you default on your Federal student loan payments. However, you may reinstate your benefits once your loans are no longer in default.
8. Incarceration or Imprisonment
If you become incarcerated or imprisoned, your SSI disability benefits will likely stop. However, you may reinstate your benefits once released. It depends on the duration of your incarceration or imprisonment.
9. Unpaid Child Support
Your SSI disability benefits may be temporarily reduced, stopped, or garnished if you have unpaid child support. The decision depends on your state’s rules.
10. Moved without Telling the SSA
One of the requirements for SSI disability benefits is keeping the SSA updated about your current living address. The reason is different states and counties calculate benefits differently.
For example, your benefits will likely stop if you have your mail forwarded or suspended based on a move.
What Happens When My SSI Benefits Stop?
In most cases, you can reinstate your disability benefits after they stop if you continue to have a disability and meet the financial requirements. Check your My SSA Account on the SSA website or call them to learn the next steps.
However, time is of the essence. If you disagree with the SSA’s decision to stop your benefits, you have 60 days to submit an appeal.
It is always better to have an experienced attorney on your side. Contact Evans Disability to help you appeal and get back the benefits you deserve.
Can I Appeal the Social Security Disability Termination?
Yes! You can appeal the Social Security Administration’s decision if your disability benefits stop.
Also, your benefits may continue as long as you still have a disability that prevents you from working. However, your case will always have review periods, regardless of your disability conditions.
How to Reinstate Suspended Social Security Benefits?
If you are in a Continuing Disability Review, comply with the requested information, such as requests for medical records, a hearing appearance, or physical examination.
If you work while in a Trial Work Period (TWP) and can no longer work, you may also be eligible to reinstate your benefits depending on your circumstances.
However, if your benefits stop because the SSA decided your medical condition improved, you can report any decline in your condition to reinstate those benefits.
Social Security Income Benefits FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability Benefits.
What Are SSI Benefits?
Social Security Income (SSI) benefits are for people aged 18-65 who are blind or disabled.
Also, if your mental or physical disability does not allow you to perform a Substantial Gainful Activity or work, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Income benefits.
How to Check SSI Benefits?
You can check the status of your Social Security benefits by visiting the SSA website or calling 1-800-772-1213.
What Is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review determines if you have a medical impairment that prevents you from working.
The Continuing Disability Reviews depends on whether your disability is expected to improve or not.
If the SSA determines your disabling condition has improved or ended, your disability benefits will stop.
What Is a Work Review in Social Security?
During a Work Review, the SSA will look at your earnings to determine if you are still eligible for monthly disability benefits.
If you do not meet the work requirements, the SSA may stop your benefits indefinitely or until you are within the guidelines.
What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?
Substantial Gainful Activity is the amount of income you can earn without affecting your disability benefits.
The Substantial Gainful Activity amount changes each year. In 2022, the monthly SGA amount is $1,350 for non-blind individuals and $2,260 for those who are blind.
How Long Does Social Security Last?
Your Social Security disability benefits could last for life or only while you remain eligible. It depends on your disability benefits, health condition, finances, and other circumstances.
Protect Your SSI Benefits! Call Evans Disability
Evans Disability knows how to protect your Social Security Income Benefits.
Our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to ensure you comply with all relevant regulations, guidelines, due dates, financial reviews, and more.
Don’t wait until it is too late! Call Evans Disability today at (855) 503-0101 or schedule a Free Consult.