After being injured or otherwise becoming disabled, you will likely go through a long process, full of pitfalls and appeals, before you can receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Once the process of acquiring benefits is behind you, it’s not uncommon to have more questions. One of the biggest is, “How long will my benefits last?”
Is there an expiration date on your SSD benefits?
According to the Social Security Administration, there is no set date for your SSD benefits to end. You will receive benefits as long as your injury or illness continues to prevent you from returning to work.
The SSA will conduct regular evaluations, called Disability Reviews, to determine if you still qualify as disabled. If it’s determined that your condition has improved to the point that you can return to work, then your benefits may end.
Are there any other situations when your disability benefits may end?
Other than a significant medical improvement, there are only a few other reasons that your benefits may stop.
One is if you are incarcerated. Being in jail for 30 days or more will result in your benefits being stopped. However, once you are released, you can have the benefits reinstated fairly easily.
Another reason is if you decide to return to work and begin making what SSA considers “substantial gainful activity.” At this point, your benefits may be halted.
At the age of 65, if you still receive SSD benefits, they will automatically transfer, and you will begin to receive SSI (Social Security Income). While technically the benefits are stopped, you still receive an income since you have reached retirement age.
If you believe your benefits have been ended unjustly, you have the right to appeal the decision and fight to have your benefits reinstated. Legal guidance may help.