Things That Could Cost You Your Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security disability is there to help you through the tough times. After paying into the program for all of your working life, you expect to have the benefits paid to you without issue. Unfortunately, this complicated system has requirements that must be met and maintained to avoid disruptions and denial of the benefits. Here, you'll learn a little about some things that can cause your benefits to be halted or reduced.

Improved Medical Condition

If the medical condition that limited your ability to work improves, your benefits may be reduced or cut off completely. While collecting the benefits, you'll be required to see your doctor every so often for treatment and evaluations. If the doctor deems that you are physically and mentally ready to go back to work, you'll be released, and the benefits will come to an end.

In some cases, if you're allowed to return to work on a restricted basis, you may be able to continue collecting benefits, but the amount will be reduced. You will be told how much you can make each week without reducing or losing your benefits. If you earn more, you will likely have to repay the overpaid benefits.

Retirement Age

Once you've reached the age of retirement, you'll lose your disability benefits. Instead of receiving funds from disability, you'll begin to receive benefits from the Social Security retirement program.

Income, Assistance, and Assets

You must report all income, assistance, and assets that you have or receive. If you receive government assistance through the Welfare system, those benefits will also count as income. If you were to be gifted a valuable asset, you'll need to report it to the Social Security Administration and could possibly reduce your benefits.

Incarceration

If you commit a crime and are sentenced to jail time, your disability payments will stop during the time that you are incarcerated. Some felony charges could cost you your disability benefits entirely, including:

• The crime that you've committed killed a spouse, parent, or the children that qualify you for benefits.
• You suffered the injuries while incarcerated.
• You worsened your injury that qualifies you for disability while committing a crime.

If you are in need of assistance with your Social Security disability claim, have been denied or if your benefits have been reduced, you may need the assistance of a legal professional. Contact your local Social Security attorneys and begin getting the help that you need today.

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