If you receive Social Security benefits, you have a legal obligation to report any changes that affect you or your family and that could affect the amount of benefits you receive. If you do not do so within a timely manner, you could be penalized.
It can be difficult to know what life changes will affect your disability benefits, but if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it is best to err on the side of caution and report any major changes.
Changes You Must Report to the Social Security Administration
- Changes in your living situation
- Changes to earned or unearned income and assets
- A change to your marital status
- Change of address
- Death of a spouse or anyone in your household
- Travel outside of the United States for more than 30 consecutive days
- Eligibility for other benefits
- Any improvement in your medical condition
- If you begin or stop working while receiving social security benefits as well as any changes to the hours you work or payment you receive
A full list can be found on the Social Security Administrations website. These changes must be reported as soon as possible and no later than 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred.
If your changes are not reported accurately and on time, you could face penalties. You may be underpaid and not receive the benefits you should. Or you may be overpaid and have to pay the excess amount back.
You could face a penalty of $25 to $100 for every change you do not report in a timely manner. If you knowingly make a misleading statement or fail to report a change, you could receive a sanction against your benefits. A first sanction halts your benefits for six months. Subsequent sanctions are for 12 and 24 months.
If you are struggling to receive the benefits you need and your claim has been denied, contact our Social Security disability benefits lawyers in Phoenix for a free consultation and guidance in getting approved for the help you need.
Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.