How Long Can You Be on Social Security Disability?
If you have a disabling condition and receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you will typically be eligible to receive government benefits for as long as you are disabled. However, there are some situations where you might lose eligibility for Social SSD benefits, including when there is a change in your disability status, when you retire, and if your income exceeds the limit for receiving SSD.
How Long Can I Receive SSD Benefits?
If you remain disabled, you will likely be eligible to continue to receive Social Security benefits until you qualify for retirement benefits as long as your disability doesn’t improve. If you remain unable to work, then your SSD benefits will not be threatened.
Your case will typically be reviewed at intervals by the Social Security Administration (SSA), usually every few years depending upon your disability and your potential for medical improvement. These reviews are referred to as continuing disability reviews, or CDRs. The purpose of a CDR is to determine whether you are still eligible to receive SSD benefits.
If a CDR finds that your disability has improved or that your situation has changed in some way, then SSA may reassess for benefits. If you experience any significant changes in your condition at any point in time while receiving benefits, then you are required to report that to the SSA.
When Do SSD Benefits End?
SSD benefits will typically end when:
Your Condition Changes
When your disability improves to the point that you are able to return to work. For example, if you were receiving SSD benefits while you were suffering from a debilitating illness like leukemia, but then later went into remission, your benefits would likely cease upon your recovery.
You Retire
If you are permanently disabled, then you should continue receiving disability benefits until you reach the retirement age of 65, at which time you will simply switch over to Social Security retirement benefits. In most cases, this will not result in a significant change to your income.
You Earn Too Much Money
If your income status changes, you might also stop receiving benefits. To receive SSD benefits, you must make under a certain amount each month. If you exceed the income limit, then you can expect to stop receiving benefits. Let’s take a look at the income limits imposed by the SSA below:
If you are not blind and you receive SSD, then you are not permitted to receive more than $1,310 each month. If you exceed that amount in income each month, then you will no longer be eligible to receive SSD benefits.
If you are blind and you receive SSD, then the income limit imposed by SSA is significantly higher. Blind SSD beneficiaries are permitted to earn an income of up to $2,190 per month and keep their benefits. If they exceed this amount, then their benefits would cease.
Contact a Social Security Disability Attorney Today
If you have questions about your Social Security Disability benefits, are concerned that your Social Security claim is not being managed properly, or are trying to appeal a decision to terminate your benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Greenwood Social Security disability attorneys at Powers Law, LLC today for a free, no-risk case evaluation.