Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are intended to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment. However, there are several factors that can stop your disability benefits. Here are some common reasons why SSD benefits may be terminated:
Your disability has improved: If your disability has improved to the point where you are able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA), your SSD benefits may be terminated. SGA is defined as the ability to work and earn a certain amount of money per month. If your condition has improved to the point where you are able to work and earn above the SGA threshold, your SSD benefits will be stopped.
You have reached retirement age: Once you reach retirement age, you are no longer eligible for SSD benefits. This age is determined by your date of birth and is currently set at 66 years old for individuals born between 1943 and 1954.
You have returned to work: If you return to work and earn above the SGA threshold, your SSD benefits will be terminated. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a program called the Trial Work Period (TWP) that allows you to test your ability to work while still receiving SSD benefits. Under the TWP, you can work for nine months within a five-year period and still receive SSD benefits, as long as your earnings do not exceed the SGA threshold.
You have been convicted of a crime: If you are convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison, your SSD benefits will be suspended until you are released.
You are no longer a U.S. citizen: To be eligible for SSD benefits, you must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with a qualifying immigration status. If your citizenship or immigration status changes, your SSD benefits may be terminated.
You fail to follow the rules of your SSD program: To receive SSD benefits, you must follow certain rules, such as attending medical appointments and reporting any changes in your condition or work status. If you fail to follow these rules, your benefits may be stopped.
Overall, there are several factors that can stop your disability benefits, including improvement in your condition, reaching retirement age, returning to work, conviction of a crime, change in citizenship or immigration status, and failure to follow the rules of your SSD program. It is important to understand these requirements and to report any changes to the SSA to avoid any interruption in your benefits.