Why Did I Lose My Social Security Benefits?

The loss of Social Security benefits is sometimes a surprise to the person affected because he or she is not aware of what he or she did or engaged in to cause the action by the Social Security Administration. Understanding what actions could cause this is of the utmost importance for the individual, and restoring the benefits is critical.

Some recipients of Social Security Disability lose their benefits through certain actions they take, problems they become part of and issues that affect them. Others lose it due to an inability to listen to the rules and follow them according to the Administration’s guidelines. When receiving the monetary benefits that come from the Social Security Administration, it is important to understand and follow the stipulations or face a temporary or permanent ban on support. Research may help in these matters, but communication is the best way to learn what the recipient did to cause the loss.

The Two Programs

There are both SSDI and SSI or Social Security Disability Income and Supplementary Security Income. There are differences in each from each other and how the person could lose the benefits. Knowing what each is becomes important to the recipient as well as understanding what he or she could do or engage in to lose the benefits. SSDI provides support to a person after he or she pays enough into the system through taxes. And SSI is a program for low-income earners that may obtain the much-needed supplementary income. SSI does not require payment through taxes.

The Usual Loss of Benefits

Usually, when a recipient loses his or her benefits through the Social Security programs, he or she either works enough to earn over the maximum over a prolonged period or violates the terms of the Administration. These violations are possible by committing a crime, engaging in fraud or by leaving the country. The person receiving benefits normally must keep all records up to date and provide the agency with sufficient time to change details. This includes a change in address, work, other income opportunities and relationship status. Some that marry lose benefits when the income of the household increases.

The primary reason to lose any benefits through Social Security is through new income or additional income to work. If the person returns to work after a period of limited or no ability to retain employment, he or she may lose the funds after a trial period. Some are unable to maintain gainful employment after entering permanent or complete disability. If the person cannot stay at the job or find another with the same or more wages, he or she may continue on Social Security. However, once the trial period ends, the receiving of money from the Administration generally will conclude.

The Trial Period

When a person loses his or her Social Security benefits, he or she may pass through the trial period of returning to gainful employment. This is normally a nine-month process that the Administration will use to determine if the person is able to maintain and continue working so that he or she no longer needs the financial assistance. Some may no longer suffer from a disability and others recover from a condition that affected these matters. There are other exceptions that may end this time period immediately to include committing a crime and reaching retirement age.