Understand the Reason You Want to Get Off SSI

Before taking any steps to get off SSI, it's important to understand why you want to stop receiving benefits. Here are a few reasons people may choose to transition off SSI:

• Improvement in Health: If your condition improves and you no longer meet the medical criteria for disability, you may no longer be eligible for SSI.
• Increased Income: If you start earning more money through work or other means, your income may exceed SSI limits, disqualifying you from receiving benefits.
• Eligibility for Other Benefits: You may transition from SSI to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have worked long enough and paid into Social Security.
• Personal Choice: In some cases, individuals may decide they want to stop receiving benefits for personal reasons, such as feeling financially stable or desiring more independence.

Report Changes in Your Circumstances to the SSA

If you decide that you no longer need SSI or your situation has changed, you must report any changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Failing to report changes could result in overpayments, penalties, or other issues down the line.

• Income: If you begin earning more income, start working, or receive any other financial assistance, you must report this to the SSA. SSI has strict income limits, and exceeding them can disqualify you from receiving benefits.
• Living Situation: If your living arrangements change (for example, if you move into a different household or start living with someone else), report this to the SSA as it could affect your eligibility.
• Improvement in Health: If your health improves to the point where you are no longer considered disabled, you should notify the SSA. The SSA will likely reevaluate your medical condition to determine if you’re still eligible for SSI.

Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

If your income exceeds SSI limits or your health improves, you may want to apply for SSDI. SSDI is a program for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security long enough to qualify for benefits based on their own work history. Here’s what you need to know about making the switch:

• Work History Requirements: Unlike SSI, which doesn’t require work history, SSDI is based on your work history and the number of work credits you’ve accumulated. If you’ve paid enough into Social Security over the years, you might qualify for SSDI.
• Application Process: To apply for SSDI, you can visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov, call their toll-free number, or schedule an appointment at your local SSA office. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your work history, medical condition, and other relevant details.

Trial Work Period (TWP) and Work Incentives

If you are working while receiving SSI, you may qualify for certain work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without losing your benefits right away. The SSA has a Trial Work Period (TWP) that lets you try working without losing your SSI benefits, even if your income exceeds the SSI limits.

• Trial Work Period: If you are working and earning more than the monthly income threshold, you can still receive SSI benefits for up to 9 months under the TWP. This is designed to help you transition off benefits as you attempt to return to full-time work.
• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): After completing your TWP, if you earn above the SSA’s definition of substantial gainful activity (SGA) for a period of time, the SSA may determine that you are no longer eligible for SSI.

Understand the Impact of Overpayments

If your income exceeds the SSI limits or your condition improves, the SSA may consider you ineligible for benefits. If you continue receiving SSI after being disqualified, you could be overpaid, and the SSA may require you to repay the money.

• Overpayment Notices: If the SSA determines that you were overpaid, they will send you a notice requesting repayment. You can work with the SSA to arrange a repayment plan if you are unable to repay the full amount upfront.
• Appealing Overpayment: If you disagree with the overpayment decision, you can appeal. You’ll need to explain why the overpayment happened, and the SSA will review the case.

Consider the Impact on Medicaid and Other Benefits

If you are on SSI, you are also likely receiving Medicaid, which provides health coverage. Transitioning off SSI might affect your eligibility for Medicaid, so it’s important to consider this aspect before making any changes.

• Medicaid: If you qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible for Medicaid, but the rules can vary by state. In some cases, you may be able to keep Medicaid coverage after transitioning from SSI to SSDI.
• Other Benefits: Be sure to check how your transition off SSI may impact other benefits, such as food assistance or housing programs, to avoid disruptions in your support.