Suffering a debilitating injury can be one of life’s most difficult experiences. Those who suffer serious injuries may no longer be able to work and provide a living wage for themselves or their families. Many workers across the country who have been disabled by serious injuries depend on Social Security Disability Insurance for income. However, SSDI benefits are not permanent. Here are some reasons why SSDI benefits may cease.
Returning to work
Disability benefits were established for those who cannot work. If SSDI recipients return to work, they could be in jeopardy of losing their benefits. However, once recipients think they can return to work, they can use a trial work period without losing disability income. This trial work period lasts nine months, but the trial ends as soon as recipients have worked nine months within any 60-month span. During the trial period, recipients may continue to receive full benefits, but they still must meet the definition of “disabled” and report the work they are doing.
Retirement age
A recipient’s ability to receive SSDI benefits may be affected when he or she reaches retirement age and becomes eligible for retirement benefits. A person generally can’t get retirement income and income from SSDI at the same time. When a recipient reaches full retirement age, the Social Security Administration will change the recipient’s monthly benefits to the retirement program instead of the disability program.
The processes surrounding Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can sometimes be confusing. Those who are confused or have questions about SSDI benefits could benefit by contacting a legal representative. Without the help of an experienced attorney, individuals could risk losing out on the SSDI benefits that they need.
