For those who are unable to work due to a condition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes two categories of disability benefits. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program for persons with disabilities who earn less than a specified amount of money.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), on the other hand, does not discriminate against low-income persons. However, you must have worked for a specific number of years and paid Social Security taxes to be eligible for this sort of payment (in addition to meeting other criteria).
Approval for SSDI compensation can be a lengthy and difficult procedure. Many people are denied benefits after filing an application, and they may need to submit an appeal to be granted assistance. Working with a disability benefits lawyer in California might help you be accepted for benefits.
You may assume that once you’ve been accepted, you’ll be eligible to benefits for the rest of your life. While some people may get payments for the rest of their lives after originally qualifying, there are a variety of ways to lose SSDI benefits. Keep reading to learn more about them and then contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 if you need legal help.
You could lose benefits if your condition improves
To begin with, if your illness improves, you may lose your eligibility for assistance. For beneficiaries of disability payments, the SSA conducts what is known as a Continuing Disability Review. The SSA may terminate your SSDI payments if your health has improved to the extent that you are able to work.
If you’re worried about losing your disability payments, talk to a California disability benefits lawyer on how to answer to a Continuing Disability Review questionnaire. An individual’s benefits may be terminated in some circumstances because they did not finish their response completely or provide adequate evidence of their continuous impairment, rather than because they are able to work.
You could lose benefits if you start working
If you return to work, you may forfeit your benefits. Only those who are unable to work due to a disability are eligible for SSDI compensation. If you engage in “substantial gainful activity,” as defined by the Social Security Administration, and earn more than a specific amount of money each month, you may lose your benefits.
Individuals who want to try to return to work without risking their benefits might do it in a number of ways. A trial work period is what it’s called. If you return to work, you may lose your benefit eligibility. If you are considering returning to work, a competent California disability benefits attorney can assist you understand your choices.
You could lose benefits as you age
If you are on SSDI and reach retirement age), your payments will be terminated. Instead, you’ll get Social Security payments when you retire. Because you cannot receive SSDI and Social Security retirement income at the same time, once you reach retirement age, your disability payments will end.
You could lose benefits if you are convicted of a crime
If you are convicted of a felony and sentenced to 30 days or more in prison as a result, your SSDI benefits will be terminated for the time you are jailed. Benefits from SSDI will resume the month after you are discharged. Importantly, some criminal crimes will result in your SSDI benefits being terminated entirely. A knowledgeable California disability benefits lawyer can explain how a conviction would affect your payments.
Remember that if you need help, PLBH is just a phone call away. Reach out to us at (800) 435-7542 to learn more.