What Is Continuing Eligibility for SSDI?

Whether you are currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments or you are applying for them (or planning to apply), you may have come across the terminology of “continuing eligibility.” When the Social Security Administration (SSA) refers to an SSDI recipient’s continuing eligibility, what does the SSA mean, and is continuing eligibility something that all SSDI recipients need to know about? And what does a recipient need to do in order to ensure that they continue to receive payments?

We know how complicated the SSDI system can be, and we want to make sure that you receive the benefits you need. Our national disability benefits lawyers can tell you more about continuing eligibility and what you should plan to expect in the course of receiving SSDI payments.

How Does the SSA Define Continuing Eligibility? 

If you have come across the term “continuing eligibility,” it is essential to learn more about what the SSA means when it uses this language. In short, continuing eligibility refers to a disability benefit recipient’s eligibility to continue receiving benefits after they have been approved.

According to the SSA, “in most cases, you will continue to receive benefits as long as you have a disability.” At the same time, SSDI recipients should know that “there are certain circumstances that may change your continuing eligibility for disability benefits,” in which case you could lose your benefits.

Changes that Affect Continuing Eligibility 

What kinds of changes could impact a person’s continuing eligibility for SSDI benefits? In general, when continuing eligibility comes into question, usually one or both of the following has occurred:

• SSDI recipient’s health has improved; and/or
• SSDI recipient has been able to return to work (in a manner that constitutes “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA).

Self-Reporting Changes to the SSA 

The SSA requires SSDI recipients to inform the Administration if there have been changes that could impact their ability to receive benefits, or their continuing eligibility. To be clear, the SSA states: “You are responsible for letting us know whenever a change occurs that could affect your benefits. For example, if your health improves or you go back to work or become self-employed,” then you need to report that information to the SSA. At that point, your continuing eligibility may be impacted.

Reviewing an SSDI Recipient’s Disability Status 

Even without any reports of changes, the SSA will review a person’s disability status relatively regularly in a process known as a Continuing Disability Review, or CDR. The CDR will seek information to determine whether you still have a disability as it is required to obtain SSDI benefits. If the CDR determines that your situation has changed concerning your disability, your continuing eligibility could change. The frequency of a CDR usually depends on whether a person’s medical condition is expected to improve, possible for improvement, or not expected to improve.

Contact a National Disability Benefits Attorney Today 

Do you have questions or concerns about applying for SSDI benefits, or do you need assistance with a continuing eligibility issue? No matter what type of SSDI matter you are currently facing, one of the experienced national SSDI benefits lawyers at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can talk with you today about your situation. We routinely assist clients with SSDI applications, appeals, and other matters. Contact us today for help with your SSDI case.

Source:

ssa.gov/benefits/disability/work.html