Social Security Disability Benefits Termination

SSI and Social Security Disability Termination of Benefits: What to expect if your case is reviewed?

From time to time, recipients of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits may find that the Social Security Administration will review their medical status to determine whether or not they remain disabled. Social Security disability termination can occur based on a review of a number of factors. These factors include whether the recipient’s condition was expected to improve, whether improvement was not expected, or whether improvement was possible but not predictable. In the latter case, the review may take place about once every three years. If improvement is expected, the frequency will increase, and if improvement is not expected at all, the reviews, if they take place, may occur about once every seven years. If your disability status is reviewed, you will receive a letter, with forms enclosed asking about your condition and whether it has improved, worsened, or remained the same. You will also be asked to provide information about your doctors and any hospital in which you have treated for your condition(s). If the Bureau of Disability Determination assesses your condition as not having improved, your benefit status will not be changed. If they, however, determine that your condition has improved, and that the improvement is to the point of enabling you to work full-time, you may receive an unfavorable decision that your benefits will cease. In this event, you may, within sixty days, ask for reconsideration of the social security disability termination of benefits. If you disagree with the decision on reconsideration, you may appeal further and request a hearing before and administrative law judge. You have a right to have an attorney assist you with your appeal. If you have received notice that your medical status is under review or you have received notice that an unfavorable decision has been issued terminating your benefits you should act promptly and contact a Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income lawyer. If you are facing a potential social security disability termination of benefits, it is important to discuss your options with a disability lawyer.