Steps to Get Off Disability

Step 1: Understand the Implications of Stopping Disability Benefits

Before you take any steps to stop your disability benefits, it’s important to fully understand the implications. Once you stop receiving benefits, it may be difficult to restart them later if your situation changes. Therefore, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of getting off disability, especially if you are unsure about your ability to return to work.

• SSDI Benefits: If you are receiving SSDI benefits and you return to work, the SSA has a "trial work period" that allows you to test your ability to work without immediately losing your benefits. During this trial period, you can earn above a certain income limit without it affecting your disability benefits.
• SSI Benefits: SSI benefits are need-based, and if your income or resources increase (for example, through returning to work), you may no longer be eligible for these benefits. You must notify the SSA if your financial situation changes.

Step 2: Returning to Work and Reporting It

One of the most common ways to get off disability benefits is by returning to work. However, you must notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you decide to go back to work, as your disability benefits may be affected.

• For SSDI Recipients: If you return to work, you can take advantage of the SSA’s Trial Work Period (TWP). During this period, you can earn above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold without losing your benefits. The TWP lasts for up to nine months, allowing you to test your ability to work without the risk of losing your benefits.
• For SSI Recipients: If you start earning income or your resources exceed the SSI limits, you must report these changes to the SSA. Your eligibility for SSI will be reevaluated based on your income, and if it exceeds the allowable limit, your benefits will be reduced or stopped.

Step 3: Apply for Continuing Medical Improvement Review

If your health has improved and you feel that your disability no longer qualifies as severe enough to prevent you from working, you may choose to request a Medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) from the SSA.

• What is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?: The SSA conducts a CDR to determine if your medical condition has improved to the point where you no longer meet the criteria for disability. This review is typically done every three to five years, but it can be initiated sooner if you indicate that you are able to return to work or that your condition has improved.

If the SSA determines that you no longer meet the definition of disability, they will stop your benefits. However, if you’re not sure about your condition, it’s important to consult with your doctor before initiating this review.

Step 4: Voluntarily Stopping Your Benefits

If you are certain that you no longer need disability benefits and want to stop receiving them, you can voluntarily withdraw your claim or stop your benefits. Here’s how:

• Contact the SSA: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local SSA office to notify them that you no longer wish to receive disability benefits.
• Write a Formal Request: You can also send a formal letter to the SSA explaining your decision to stop your benefits. Be sure to provide your name, Social Security number, and clear instructions about your request.

Step 5: Considerations When Stopping Disability Benefits

• Impact on Healthcare: If you’re receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, you may also qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Before you stop your disability benefits, consider how ending your coverage might affect your healthcare. In some cases, you can retain Medicare coverage for a limited period, even after your disability benefits stop.
• Future Eligibility: If you stop receiving benefits and later find that you need them again due to a worsening condition, you may need to reapply. While the process is not necessarily difficult, it can take time, and the decision to stop benefits may result in a waiting period before you can requalify.
• Trial Work Period and Expedited Reinstatement: The SSA offers a program known as Expedited Reinstatement (EXR), which allows you to apply for reinstatement of your SSDI benefits if you stop working and your condition worsens within five years. This can help ease the process if you need to go back on disability.

Step 6: Monitor Your Earnings and Resources

If you’re working while on SSDI or SSI, you must continue to monitor your earnings and report any changes to the SSA. If you exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit or if your income/resources surpass the SSI eligibility limit, your benefits may be reduced or terminated.

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): For SSDI recipients, the monthly income limit for SGA is $1,470 (for 2025). For blind individuals, the limit is $2,460 per month. If your earnings exceed this amount, the SSA may determine that you are no longer eligible for SSDI.

Step 7: Understand the Process of Stopping Benefits

If your benefits are stopped due to work or other changes, make sure to understand the process:

• Receiving a Notice from the SSA: If your benefits are stopped, you will receive a notice from the SSA explaining why the decision was made and what your options are.
• Appealing a Decision: If you disagree with the SSA’s decision to stop your benefits, you can appeal. Make sure to act quickly, as there are time limits for filing an appeal.