Do Disability Benefits Stop if Your Condition Gets Better On Its Own?

August 17, 2021
Dayes Law Firm

Disability benefits offer financial help to those who cannot work because of a serious medical condition. These benefits can continue as long as you meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) eligibility requirements. However, if your condition is getting better, you may no longer be eligible for disability.

Dayes Law Firm is ready to answer any questions you have about Social Security Disability. Learn more about your continuing eligibility for disability benefits during a risk-free, zero-obligation consultation. We charge nothing up front to retain our services and are available 24/7 to take your call or chat online.

Gives us a call at 1-800-503-2000 today.

Reasons Your Disability Benefits May Stop

The SSA can decide that you are no longer disabled and stop your disability benefits for two reasons: 

  • You earn over the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit for 2021, which is $1,310 per month
  • Your medical condition has improved to the point that you may be able to return to work

The SSA routinely reviews disability cases. At each review, you must be able to show that your condition is so severe that it keeps you from working. Even if there is a dramatic improvement to your medical condition, there are ways you may still be able to continue receiving disability benefits.

Continuing Disability Reviews

Continuing disability reviews are used to identify recipients who may no longer qualify as disabled. How often the SSA reviews your disability case will depend on the nature of your condition and prognosis.

  • If improvement is expected, your condition will be reviewed every six to 18 months
  • If improvement is possible, your condition will generally be reviewed every three years
  • If improvement is unlikely, your condition will be reviewed every seven years

Certain impairments listings in the Blue Book have their own reviews.

For instance, if you have had a lung transplant, your condition will be reviewed by the SSA one year post-transplant. Should your medical condition improve after receiving the transplant and you no longer suffer from a qualifying condition, the SSA will more than likely stop your disability benefits.

Obligation to Report Changes to Your Condition

Disability recipients are obligated to report any changes that may affect their eligibility to the SSA. This includes any improvement in your medical condition. If you do not report a change and the SSA uncovers it during your case review, it could lead to serious legal trouble and financial hardships.

You will likely lose your monthly benefits and may be asked to repay disability payments you received since your medical condition improved. Should your condition get better enough to possibly return to work, the best way you may be able to keep your benefits is to apply to a work incentive program.

How Recipients Can Get Back into the Workforce

The SSA offers several programs to help disability recipients transition back into the workforce.

For instance, the Ticket to Work program will continue to pay out your monthly benefits. These benefits may be reduced if you exceed the current SGA limit. The program is free and available to disability recipients ages 18 to 64, providing job training, vocational rehabilitation, career counseling and more.

Our Attorneys Are Ready to Protect Your Rights

If your medical condition has improved and you are not sure how to proceed, we recommend speaking with a licensed Social Security Disability lawyer in Phoenix as soon as possible. He or she can advise you on the best course of action and how you should inform the SSA regarding changes to your condition.

You do not want to do anything that could jeopardize your disability benefits. If the SSA has already stopped your monthly benefits after your last case review, we are ready to file an appeal on your behalf.

Learn more about your rights during a complimentary and confidential consultation. There are no upfront fees to retain our legal services, so there is no risk or obligation to you.

A firm you can trust. Ph: 1-800-503-2000