How Can I Lose My Disability Benefits?
Generally, there are two ways you can lose your benefits – earning too much through working, and recovering from your disability. First, your benefits will end if you earn what Social Security considers to be a substantially amount of money. Before working while receiving disability benefits you need to contact the Social Security Administration or your attorney or advocate. Second, your benefits will end if you recover and are no longer disabled. Social Security will periodically monitor your condition, and technically you are required to notify SSA if your condition improves.
In most cases, your benefits will continue as long as you are disabled. With that said, Social Security will check to see if you are still disabled. The frequency of these checks will depend on your specific condition and the possibility of recovery. Recently, however, Social Security has been increasing its reviews of existing cases. When Social Security does review a case, they find the individual is still disabled the vast majority of the time.
Can I appeal if Social Security tries to take away my benefits?
Yes, you can appeal if Social Security tries to end your disability benefits. Remember, you have a limited time to appeal once you receive the letter cutting your benefits. If you do not appeal within 10 days, you could waive your right to appeal.