Can the SSA Change Their Mind About Giving Me Disability?
Can disability get cancelled by the Social Security Administration (SSA)? And how can you prevent it?
Learn more about how the SSA works and how to protect your SSDI benefits.
The Limitations of Your Disability Benefits
Getting approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can feel like a huge relief after months, or even years, of waiting. But many people wonder if their disability can get cancelled down the road.
The short answer is yes, the SSA can review your case and change their decision – but it doesn’t happen without a process.
When the SSA Can Reevaluate Your Case
Once you’re approved for SSDI, your case isn’t necessarily permanent. The SSA schedules something called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) to check if you still meet the definition of “disabled.”
These reviews usually happen every 3-7 years, depending on your condition and how likely it is to improve.
During a CDR, the SSA looks at:
- Whether your medical condition has improved
- If you’re receiving new treatments that could help you work again
- Your recent work activity and income
- Updates from your doctors or medical records
If the SSA believes you’ve improved enough to return to work, they could decide to stop your benefits. But you’ll have the chance to respond before they make a final decision.
Why the SSA Might Stop Your Benefits
While it doesn’t happen to everyone, there are a few common reasons the SSA might reconsider your eligibility:
- If your condition gets better to the point where you can work
- If you start earning above the SSA’s limit for “substantial gainful activity”
- Not following prescribed treatment from your doctor
- If the SSA discovers missing or incorrect information after the fact
It’s important to remember that a review doesn’t mean your benefits will automatically end. You’ll have the chance to submit new medical records and explain why you still qualify.
What to Do If You Get a Review Notice
If you receive a CDR notice, don’t panic – but don’t ignore it, either.
Missing deadlines or failing to provide updated medical evidence can put your benefits at risk. So instead, here’s what you should do:
- Respond to all SSA requests as quickly as possible
- Gather updated records from your doctors and specialists
- Make sure your doctors clearly explain your current limitations
- Keep a daily symptom journal if your condition fluctuates
- Contact an SSDI lawyer if you’re worried about losing benefits
Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make the process a lot smoother. And data shows it makes a big difference in your chances of keeping your benefits.
How We Can Help
At our Memphis SSDI law firm, we’ve helped clients keep their benefits after an SSA review and guided others through appeals when benefits were unfairly stopped.
We know how to present your medical evidence clearly, communicate with the SSA, and fight for the support you need.
If you’ve received a notice about a review – or you’re worried about losing your SSDI benefits – contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and protect the benefits you’ve worked hard to earn.