One question clients often have is if they are approved for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, are the social security disability benefits for life. The answer: it depends.
While there is no prescribed time limit on receiving benefits, there are a variety of situations that could result in a termination of an individual’s entitlement to SSDI benefits.
Returning to Work
One situation is if an individual is receiving SSDI benefits or adult child disability benefits, if they return to work, the benefits may be terminated for work activity. If an individual receiving SSDI benefits earns over the substantial gainful activity (SGA) monthly earnings limit, there is a possibility that their SSDI benefits could be suspended or terminated.
Continuing Disability Review (CDR)
Another situation that may lead to termination of benefits is a continuing disability review (CDR). If a child is receiving SSDI benefits under their parent’s earning record or SSI benefits, their case will be pulled for review once they reach the age of majority. At that time, Social Security will review the file to determine whether the individual is still disabled under the adult disability listings. An adult (typically adults under age 50) who receives SSDI benefits may also have their case pulled for a CDR, where Social Security will review the file to see if medical improvement has happened. If Social Security determines you have medically improved in such a way that should allow your return to work, you may find your benefits to be terminated.
However, often once you are approved for disability benefits, you will likely continue to receive the benefits for the rest of your life, or until your SSDI benefit converts to retirement benefits at full retirement age.
If you have been approved for SSDI and your case gets pulled for a CDR, you should contact a local experienced Social Security disability attorney to assist you throughout the process.