Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) helps people who cannot work because of a disability, but these benefits do not necessarily last forever. Why might these benefits stop?
SSDI benefits end if your condition improves.
The main reason SSDI benefits might stop is if your health improves. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will periodically review your condition in a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). How often this happens depends on your specific condition and whether it is likely to improve.
If the SSA thinks you are well enough to work again, they will stop your benefits. If your benefits end and you do not agree with the SSA’s decision, you can appeal the decision just like you can challenge a denied application.
SSDI benefits end if you return to work.
SSDI is designed to provide support for those who are unable to work due to a disability. If you’re able to go back to work and earn more than a certain amount, you might lose your benefits.
The SSA wants to help people try to work again if they can. They offer work incentives and trial work periods. During a trial work period, you can work for at least nine months and still get benefits, no matter how much you earn. If you keep working after that and make more than the SSA’s $1550 limit each month, your benefits will stop.
SSDI benefits end when you reach retirement age.
When you get to full retirement age, your disability benefits change to retirement benefits. The amount of money you get usually stays the same. This change is automatic and doesn’t need any action from you.
SSDI benefits end if you go to jail.
If you go to jail for more than 30 days in a row after a criminal conviction, the SSA will suspend your benefits. You can get them back after your release, but you will not receive benefits for the time you were in jail.
Understanding when SSDI benefits might end can help you and your family prepare for the future. Planning ahead and staying informed about these rules can you manage transitions in your benefits as smoothly as possible.
