3 Situations Which Can Impact Your Disability Benefits

Certain changes to your circumstances could impact your ability to continue to receive Social Security disability benefits. Life changes, such as returning to work, could leave you without benefits. Here are some of the most common reasons that benefits are stopped and what you can do if you feel that you still need assistance:

Returning to Work

When the Social Security Administration, or SSA, learns that you have returned to work, it is possible you could lose your benefits. Whether or not you do depends largely on the amount of income you are earning. The SSA allows recipients to return to work and still receive assistance if their income falls under a certain level. The amount can change each year. In 2015, the income level was $1,090 per month.

There is a catch to how much you can earn though. Each recipient is allowed a trial period of nine months. During that nine-month period, you can earn as much as you want without it impacting your benefits. The nine-month trial period does not have to be consecutive. Any month in which you earn more than $780, it counts towards your trial period. 

If you feel that you should still qualify for benefits, you could argue that your trial period has not expired. You could also provide proof of income to show that you have not exceeded the income level allowed by the SSA. You also have the option of not working, but you might have to provide medical proof that working is not possible. 

Reaching Retirement Age

Disability benefits automatically stop when you reach the retirement age for Social Security benefits. However, you will not become eligible for retirement benefits. When you receive notification of the upcoming changes to your benefits, it is important that you contact the SSA to determine if you need to take any actions to convert your benefits to the new program. 

Turning 18 Years of Age

If you are receiving disability benefits on behalf of your minor child, the benefits will stop when he or she reaches 18 years of age. To receive benefits again, your child will need to be re-certified. This could mean going through the entire application process again, including having a medical examination.

If you do receive notice that your benefits have been discontinued, talk to a disability attorney as soon as possible. By taking action quickly, you can possibly avoid a long delay in having your benefits reinstated. To learn more, contact a company like the Law Offices Of Russell J. Goldsmith with any questions or concerns you have.