Why Would My SSDI Benefits Stop?

So you finally got your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits after months of waiting. You had the benefits for a couple years and then they suddenly stopped, without notice or reason. Now you are scratching your head wondering why.

There are two main reasons why your disability benefits could end: earning too much income or the determination that you no longer have a disability. While you can return to work while receiving SSDI, if you earn a substantial amount of money, it may be determined that you are healthy enough to work in gainful employment. This would mean you no longer need benefits, so those would end.

The amount of earnings that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers substantial changes every year based on factors such as inflation and cost of living. In 2024, earnings of $1,550 or more per month ($2,590 or more per month if you are blind) are considered substantial. However, you could still be considered to be not disabled if you’re not earning that much money but still working full-time hours, for example. It’s possible for the SSA to determine that your job activity counts as substantial gainful activity, causing your benefits to end.

Medical improvement can also stop your benefits. Disabilities do not always last forever. If your disability improves over time, the SSA will find that you’re no longer disabled and stop your benefits. The SSA will review your case every 3 to 7 years to determine whether or not you are still disabled. These continuing disability reviews have tough standards. Just make sure that the SSA can reach you and that you respond to the SSA’s requests promptly. For example, they may need more medical evidence. Do not simply ignore this request or you can expect your payments to stop.

While this is not a common scenario, being in jail can also cause your SSDI benefits to end. If you’re in a prison after being convicted of a crime, your disability benefits will stop. Your benefits will be suspended after you’ve been in prison for 30 days but will be reinstated in the month following your release. In some cases, a felony conviction can cause your benefits to end even if you don’t go to jail. However, a misdemeanor typically won’t affect your SSDI benefits unless you’re in jail for a period of at least one month.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits

SSDI benefits do not always last forever. They can stop at any time due to a change in circumstances, such as an increase in income or an improved medical condition.

Benefits may also stop suddenly due to administrative issues. A White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon can help you challenge an unfair decision so you get the benefits you deserve. Call (914) 228-1770 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

ssa.gov/benefits/disability/work.html#:~:text=Benefits%20will%20end%20if%20work,no%20longer%20have%20a%20disability.