Let Our Family Help Yours
Steppacher Law Offices

How can you lose SSDI benefits once you have them?

On Behalf of | Feb 17, 2021 | Social Security Disability

It is not always easy to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance from the U.S. Social Security Administration. The application process requires time and patience, and for many applicants, it winds up also requiring an appeal. If the administration has already approved you for SSDI benefits, it is important to recognize that there are some situations and circumstances that may result in you no longer receiving them.

What types of situations might put an end to your SSDI benefits?

Going back to work

If your condition improves to a degree that you think you might be able to go back to work, know that doing so may mean the end of your SSDI payments. However, you may be able to return to work on a trial basis for up to nine months to determine whether long-term employment is realistic for you.

Having your condition improve

The SSA has a strict definition of the term “disability,” and your condition needs to meet it for you to continue to receive benefits. While you must meet the criteria for having a disability for the SSA to approve you for benefits in the first place, you also need to meet it during ongoing periodic disability reviews.

Hitting retirement age

Most Americans are not able to receive retirement and SSDI benefits at the same time. Once you reach mandatory retirement age, expect to get retirement, not SSDI, benefit checks.

Knowing what situations may cause your SSDI benefits to end may help you in two important ways. It may help you retain access to your benefits. It may, too, help you plan and budget for the day when they may end.