The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides essential assistance to folks that are unable to paintings due to a incapacity thru packages which includes Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
However, it’s miles essential to apprehend that certain movements or changes in situations can permanently stop your SSDI blessings.
Below, we are able to talk the 2 primary reasons noted by the SSA why your SSDI benefits can be completely stopped.
1. Engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SSA defines Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) because the volume of hard work interest and income that demonstrates that the individual can take part in aggressive employment.
In 2025, the SGA limits are set at $1,620 per month for non-blind people and $2,seven-hundred per month for blind individuals.
If you obtain those quantities after the Trial Work Period (TWP) ends, the SSA may additionally determine which you are no longer eligible for disability benefits.
Trial Work Period (TWP):
- Duration: A total of 9 months, which occurs over a rolling 60-month period.
- Earnings Limit: In 2025, if your income in any month is more than $1,160, that month will be considered a Trial Work Month.
- Results: After the TWP ends, if your income continues to exceed the SGA limits, your SSDI benefits will be terminated.
2. Medical Improvement
SSDI benefits are awarded based on the severity of your medical condition. The SSA periodically conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to assess whether beneficiaries still have a disability.
If the CDR concludes that your condition has medically improved and you can now engage in SGA, your benefits will stop.
Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs):
- Frequency: This is determined based on your likelihood of medical improvement:
- Expectation of Medical Improvement (MIE): Reviews usually occur every 6 to 18 months.
- Expectation of Medical Improvement (MIP): Reviews occur approximately every 3 years.
- No Expectation of Medical Improvement (MINE): Reviews occur every 5 to 7 years.
- Process: This involves a full review of medical records, and may also include medical consultations or testing.
- Outcome: If the evidence proves that your condition has improved significantly, SSA will end your benefits.
Other Reasons for Benefit Termination
In addition, some other circumstances can also cause SSDI benefits to end:
- Not Reporting Changes: If you do not notify SSA about your work activity, medical condition or any other significant changes, your benefits may end.
- Incarceration: If you are convicted of a crime and you remain in jail for 30 days or more, your benefits may be suspended.
| Reason | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeding SGA Post-TWP | Earning above the SGA threshold after completing the Trial Work Period. | Permanent termination of SSDI benefits. |
| Medical Improvement | Significant improvement in medical condition as determined by a Continuing Disability Review. | Permanent termination of SSDI benefits. |
| Failure to Report Changes | Not reporting changes in work activity or medical condition. | Potential suspension or termination of benefits. |
| Incarceration | Incarceration for more than 30 consecutive days following a conviction. | Suspension of benefits during incarceration period. |
Maintaining Eligibility for SSDI Benefits
To maintain eligibility for SSDI benefits, you must follow SSA’s guidelines and promptly report any changes in your circumstances.
It is vital to recognize underneath what instances advantages might also cease, so that you can make sure you receive continued assistance.
If you have any questions or need rationalization about your benefits, you need to touch SSA at once or are seeking for recommendation from a qualified expert.
FAQs
1. What could cause the permanent loss of my SSDI benefits?
Two critical factors include returning to work and exceeding income limits, or failing to meet medical eligibility requirements during periodic reviews by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
2. Can I lose SSDI benefits if I earn too much income?
Yes, earning above the Social Security Administration’s income limit for substantial gainful activity (SGA) can lead to the loss of SSDI benefits, even if you remain disabled.
3. What happens if I fail a medical review for SSDI?
If you no longer meet the SSA’s disability criteria during a medical review, your SSDI benefits could be permanently terminated, and you may lose eligibility for future benefits.