Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a major source of support for millions of Americans suffering from severe disabilities. It allows recipients to have some income to cover necessities, even when they’re not able to work due to their disability. But is it possible for someone to lose their disability benefits, and if so, how?
In truth, it is entirely possible for someone to lose their disability benefits, for a variety of reasons. On the positive side, sometimes a person loses their disability benefits because their disability improves to the point that they no longer are considered disabled by the Social Security Administration. In this case, they cease to be eligible for disability benefits because they don’t need them anymore, which is about the best possible reason to lose SSDI benefits.
Another related reason that someone can lose their benefits is that they begin to engage in work, regardless of their recognized disability. While it is possible to engage in some work and maintain your SSDI benefits, exceeding a certain amount of income (approximately $720 per month) may threaten your benefits. This is because SSDI is intended to replace the income that a person would normally make from work, which they ostensibly don’t need if they are gainfully employed.
Finally, if you are incarcerated, that can threaten your disability benefits. If you are jailed or imprisoned for any period greater than thirty days, your SSDI benefits will be suspended until you are released. You can have the benefits reinstated afterwards, but you aren’t entitled to any benefits you would’ve received while you were incarcerated.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
