Principal Attorney
Do you rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to make ends meet? You should understand the various factors that could affect your ability to continue receiving benefits.
Work and Earnings Impact on SSDI and SSI
Working while receiving SSDI or SSI benefits can affect your eligibility. If you get SSDI, you can use a Trial Work Period (TWP) to test your ability to work. During this time, you’ll keep your benefits even if you earn over the monthly limit. After nine TWP months, you can lose your benefits if your earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level ($1,620 per month in 2025). For SSI, your individual income can’t go over $967 per month in 2025, or you’ll lose eligibility. Some income, like gifts or wages, counts toward this limit.
Medical Improvement and Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR)
Your benefits may stop if the Social Security Administration (SSA) finds that your medical condition has improved. The SSA periodically conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to review eligibility. If they determine your health has improved enough for you to work, your benefits will end. To keep your benefits, it’s necessary to continue medical treatments and provide up-to-date medical records. You have the right to appeal if the SSA decides to terminate your benefits after a CDR.
Changes in Living Situation and SSI Eligibility
Changes in your living situation could affect your SSI benefits. For example, moving in with family or friends without paying rent could reduce your benefits since free room and board counts as income. Additionally, if you marry, your spouse’s income could push you above the income limit and cause you to lose your SSI benefits. Entering a nursing home or hospital for an extended stay can also affect eligibility, especially if a government program covers the costs.
Age-Related Changes to Benefits
If you receive SSDI benefits, they will automatically switch to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age. Your benefit amount will remain the same, and any income you earn after this point won’t reduce your payments. For SSI recipients under 18, the SSA will re-evaluate eligibility when they turn 18 based on adult disability standards. If a young adult doesn’t meet the requirements, their SSI benefits will end, but this decision can be appealed.
Legal Actions and Incarceration
You could lose your SSDI benefits if you are incarcerated for 30 days or longer. Benefits stop for the full month in which you’re in jail, and you won’t receive any back payments. If you receive SSI, the SSA will stop payments while you’re in prison and if you have an active arrest warrant for certain crimes, like escape from custody. However, your spouse and children can continue receiving benefits if they are still eligible. To restore your benefits after release, you might need to reapply.
Other Life Events That Can Impact Benefits
Certain life events could affect your SSI benefits, such as receiving a large cash gift or inheritance. If the value of your assets exceeds $2,000 ($3,000 for couples), you could lose your eligibility. High-value items like a second car or a life insurance policy can also count against your asset limit. Additionally, if you leave the U.S. for 30 consecutive days or longer, you will lose SSI benefits. If any of these situations arise, remember to report them to the SSA promptly.
Are Your Benefits at Risk? Contact a Disability Lawyer Now
If you’re worried about losing your SSDI or SSI benefits or need help with an appeal, contact Disability Advocates Group today. Our team can review your case and guide you through your options. Arrange your free initial consultation now to discuss how we can assist you in protecting your benefits.
