When you suffer from a medical condition that renders you unable to work, you need financial assistance to get by. For many disabled individuals, Social Security Disability benefits are their only hope. These benefits can provide a financial lifeline to those in need, ensuring that they have the money needed to keep a roof over their head and food on the table while also assisting them in meeting their medical needs.
Although the process of securing Social Security Disability benefits can be challenging, those who are successful on their disability claim often breathe a sigh of relief. Yet, while obtaining disability benefits is a huge win, it’s not the end of the road. This is because the government will continue to assess your circumstances to determine if ongoing financial support is warranted. Therefore, if you’re not careful in how you navigate your recovery, you could wind up seeing your benefits cut short.
When can Social Security Disability benefits be stopped?
There are certain circumstances that can lead to the cessation of disability benefits. Let’s look at them here so that you have a better understanding of where your support may be vulnerable to attack. That way you can better prepare yourself for the challenges you may face in the near future and can develop a plan to protect your interests. Here are the ways in which your benefits can be ceased:
- Your income is too high: Remember, disability benefits are aimed at providing you with financial support because you’re unable to engage in gainful employment to fully support yourself. Therefore, if you make more than the limit, which is 2025 is $967 per month for an individual, then you’ll be put on notice that the government will seek to stop your disability support. So, be cognizant of this limit when you seek to return to work.
- Your medical condition improves: If your medical condition improves to the point that you’re able to work and earn a meaningful income, then the government will seek to cut off your benefits. This often occurs after the Social Security Administration requests information about your recent treatment and prognosis, at which time you’re required to provide requested documentation. So, you’ll need to make sure you have compelling medical evidence of the severity of your condition to continue your disability benefits.
- Moving in with loved ones: While this may not completely end your Social Security Disability payments, it can lessen them to a significant extent. This is because the housing that you receive may be deemed a type of income, giving the government the perception that you don’t need as much financial support since you don’t have to pay for housing.
- Getting married: When you get married, your income is combined with that of your spouse for disability eligibility determination purposes. Therefore, getting married can throw your income over the income limit, thus leading your benefits being cutoff.
Competently navigate the Social Security Disability process
There’s a lot of legal nuances to the Social Security Disability claims process, even after an initial determination. That’s why it’s important that you educate yourself as much as possible. Only then will you be able to make the fully informed decisions that protect your best interests.
We know that figuring out the legalities of your case can be stressful, though, which is why many similarly situated individuals choose to seek out support as they navigate their claim. Only you can decide if that’s a good option for you. But if you’d like to learn more about the disability claims process and how to protect your interests, then please continue to read our blog and the rest of our website.