Published on: March 24, 2016
As time continues, so does your disabling condition and other benefits you may receive along the way. The Social Security Administration conducts a review every few years or more to evaluate your condition.
These reviews are a part of a process that helps determine your eligibilityto continue to receive disability benefits. They help the SSA evaluate your condition and determine whether they will continue benefit payments to you.
Losing Your Social Security Benefits
When you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA evaluates how your disabling condition interferes with your ability to work. They will continually review your condition and adjust your Social Security benefits accordingly.
The Social Security Administration lists two ways in which you can lose all of your disability benefits including being able to work and earn substantial income or if you no longer qualify as disabled.
Earnings Substantial Income
Disability benefits are intended to provide sufficient income for a disabled person who is unable to work based on the extent of their condition. If your average earnings are $1,130 or more per month in 2016, then your earnings are considered substantial-in-capacity. In this case, the Social Security Administration can discontinue your disability benefits.
However, if you disagree with the SSA’s decision, you are able to appeal it. You will need to file your appeal within sixty days after you receive the SSA’s letter notifying you that they will be discontinuing your benefits. If you file your appeal within ten days of receiving the letter, you can request to continue receiving your benefits while the SSA is reviewing your appeal. Be aware that if your appeal is ultimately denied, you are liable for repayment of the benefits you received under Payment Continuation.
No Longer Disabled
Another way the SSA can discontinue your disability benefits is if they find your condition has vastly improved to where you are no longer disabled and able to work again.
In either case, the SSA will continue reviewing and evaluating your condition; however, if your condition improves or you are earning a substantial income, you are responsible for promptly notifying the Social Security Administration, so they can review your case accordingly.
Reducing Your Social Security Benefits
There are a few ways that your disability benefits can be reduced depending on if you move out of state or are collecting other disability benefits.
Moving out of state
If you move out of state and are collecting SSDI, you will still be able to receive your full benefits because you have already paid into this benefits program through your payroll taxes. However, if you are moving out of state and are receiving SSI, your benefits may be reduced. This happens when you move to a state that doesn’t add a small contribution called a State Supplement to your SSI check and you are currently living in a state that does. In this case, you will likely see a reduction in your SSI benefits. Note that State Supplementary benefits are not paid by the State of Florida.
Other Supplemental Benefits
Private sources of supplemental income, such as private pensions or insurance benefits, will not affect your disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. If you are receiving public disability benefits, such as civil service disability, state temporary disability benefits or retirement benefits based on disability, then your Social Security disability benefits may be reduced.
Lost Your Disability Benefits?
If you have lost your benefits and are wanting to file an appeal, hire a professional and experienced disability expert to fight for the benefits you deserve. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Disability Experts of Florida are here to help you apply and retain your disability benefits-- contact us today to find out how we can serve you.
