2 Major Reasons You Might Lose Your Social Security Benefits Forever, According to SSDI

Social Security Administration (SSA) manages important programs that help individuals who are unable to work due to disability, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This program ensures financial assistance to those who are unable to function regularly because of their physical or mental state.

However, it is important to understand that these benefits can be permanently eliminated by any actions or changes in circumstances. According to SSA, we will discuss two main reasons for SSDI payments being abolished.

1. Engaging in significant gainful activity (SGA)

The SSA defines “significant gainful activity” (SGA) as a state of work in which a person can obtain competitive employment using his or her abilities. It is a way to determine that person’s ability to work and earn.

In 2025, the SGA limits are set as follows:

• For individuals with general disabilities: $1,620 per month
• For individuals who are blind: $2,700 per month

If your income exceeds these amounts, the SSA may assume you are no longer eligible for disability benefits, especially if you have completed a Trial Work Period (TWP).

Trial Work Period (TWP):

• Time: This period is 9 months out of 60 months.
• Earnings Limit: In 2025, every month in which your income exceeds $1,160 will be considered a trial work month.
• Consequences: If you finish the TWP and your income still remains above the SGA limits, your SSDI benefits may end.

2. Medical Improvement

SSDI benefits are based at the severity of the character’s scientific condition. SSA periodically conducts a “Continuing Disability Review” (CDR) to assess whether or not a beneficiary is still disabled.

If the CDR unearths that your situation has medically advanced and you are now able to carry out great gainful interest (SGA), your benefits will be discontinued.

Continuing Disability Review (CDR):

• Timing: This review is based on the likelihood of improvement in your medical condition.
• Medical Expected to Improve (MIE): Usually reviewed within 6 to 18 months.
• Medical Likely to Improve (MIP): Reviewed approximately every 3 years.
• Medical Not Likely to Improve (MINE): Reviewed every 5 to 7 years.
• Process: This involves a thorough review of your medical records, and may include consultation with specialists or medical testing.
• Results: If medical records prove that your condition has improved, SSA will terminate your benefits.

Other Reasons Benefits May Terminate

In addition to the main reasons, some other circumstances can also cause SSDI benefits to end:

• Failure to report changes: If you do not notify SSA about your work activity, medical condition, or other significant changes, your benefits may end.
• Imprisonment: If you are convicted of a crime and remain in jail for more than 30 days, your SSDI benefits may be suspended.

Reason	Description	Outcome
Exceeding SGA Post-TWP	Earning above the SGA threshold after completing the Trial Work Period.	Permanent termination of SSDI benefits.
Medical Improvement	Significant improvement in medical condition as determined by a Continuing Disability Review.	Permanent termination of SSDI benefits.
Failure to Report Changes	Not reporting changes in work activity or medical condition.	Potential suspension or termination of benefits.
Incarceration	Incarceration for more than 30 consecutive days following a conviction.	Suspension of benefits during incarceration period.

Requirements for Maintaining SSDI Benefits

Following SSA’s guidelines and reporting any changes is essential to maintaining SSDI benefits. If you want to make sure your benefit status remains good, it is best to contact SSA or consult a qualified professional.

It’s important to understand what may cause benefits to end so you can ensure you receive continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, contact SSA directly or seek guidance from an expert.

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