When Can You Get Off Disability?

There are several reasons you may want to or be required to get off disability benefits:

• Returning to Work: If you are able to return to work and are no longer disabled, you may decide to stop receiving benefits. In some cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may stop benefits when they determine that you can perform "substantial gainful activity" (SGA).
• Improvement in Your Health: If your medical condition improves to the point where it no longer meets the SSA’s definition of disability, you may be able to stop receiving benefits.
• Reaching Retirement Age: Once you reach retirement age (typically 65), SSDI benefits automatically transition to retirement benefits. However, you will no longer be considered "disabled" for purposes of the SSA.

Steps to Get Off Disability

The process of getting off disability depends on your situation. Whether you are ending your disability benefits voluntarily or because of improved health or employment, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:

Step 1: Notify the SSA of Your Intent to Return to Work

If you are planning to return to work, it’s crucial to notify the SSA as soon as possible. This step ensures that you are no longer receiving benefits for a condition that no longer qualifies under their guidelines. You can contact the SSA directly to inform them of your decision. Here's what you’ll need to consider:

• Trial Work Period: The SSA provides a trial work period for SSDI recipients. This allows you to work for a certain period (usually 9 months) without losing your benefits, even if you earn above the substantial gainful activity limit. This gives you time to see if you can sustain working full-time without impairing your health.
• Work Incentives: If you are on SSI, you may be able to continue receiving partial benefits while you test your ability to work. Be sure to explore all available work incentives and programs before transitioning.

Step 2: Complete a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)

The SSA conducts periodic reviews of disability cases to determine if individuals are still eligible for benefits. If your health has improved, you may be required to undergo a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). During this review, the SSA will assess whether your condition still qualifies as a disability under their standards. If you pass the CDR, you may continue to receive benefits. However, if you are found to no longer meet the criteria, your benefits will stop.

• Medical Evidence: Be prepared to submit up-to-date medical records and documentation showing that your condition has improved or that you no longer require disability benefits.

Step 3: Understand the Impact of Ending Your Disability Benefits

Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the financial and medical implications of getting off disability:

• Healthcare Coverage: If you are receiving health insurance through Medicaid or Medicare as part of your disability benefits, you may lose coverage when you stop receiving benefits. Research your healthcare options before making this decision.
• Income Changes: If you return to work, you may have a different income level, which could affect your financial situation. Be sure to plan for any changes in your budget or income.
• Social Security Credits: If you are on SSDI and stop receiving benefits because you are returning to work, make sure you understand how your Social Security credits may be affected.

Step 4: Keep Track of Work Earnings and Eligibility

If you are receiving SSI, your eligibility for benefits depends on your income and resources. You’ll need to report any earnings you make, as exceeding a certain income level may result in a reduction or termination of your benefits. Keep track of your monthly earnings and report them to the SSA regularly to ensure your benefits are adjusted accordingly.

Step 5: Be Prepared for an Appeals Process

If your disability benefits are terminated, you may have the right to appeal the decision. If the SSA decides you are no longer disabled, but you disagree with their findings, you can request a reconsideration or a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). It’s essential to have adequate documentation to support your claim if you’re appealing.

What Happens After You Get Off Disability?

Once you stop receiving disability benefits, either due to returning to work or no longer qualifying for benefits, you should monitor your situation carefully:

• Employment and Social Security: If you return to work after receiving SSDI benefits, your Social Security taxes will be deducted from your paycheck, and you will continue to earn Social Security credits.
• Additional Support Programs: If your disability worsens again or you find you cannot continue working, you may be eligible to reapply for disability benefits. Keep in mind that you may need to re-submit medical records and undergo another review process.