Step 1: Understand Why Your SSDI Benefits Were Stopped

Before you can apply to have your SSDI benefits reinstated, you need to understand why they were stopped. Some common reasons SSDI benefits are terminated include:

• Returning to Work: If you returned to work and earned above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, your SSDI benefits may have been stopped because the SSA considers you able to work.
• Medical Improvement: If the SSA determined that your medical condition improved enough for you to return to work, your benefits may have been discontinued.
• Exceeding the Income Limit: If your household income exceeded the SSA’s income limits, your eligibility for SSDI benefits may have been revoked.
• Failure to Cooperate: If you did not comply with SSA requests, such as attending medical exams or submitting required documentation, your benefits might have been stopped.

Understanding the reason behind the termination is crucial for the next steps.

Step 2: Apply for SSDI Reinstatement

If you believe your benefits were wrongfully terminated, or your situation has changed and you now qualify for reinstatement, you can apply to have your SSDI benefits reinstated. There are two main ways to do this:

Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)

If your SSDI benefits were terminated due to work-related reasons or medical improvement, you may qualify for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). EXR allows you to apply for reinstatement without having to start the application process from scratch.

• Eligibility: You must be in the disability review period, meaning you were receiving SSDI benefits in the past 60 months and are still disabled.
• Application: You can apply for EXR by contacting the SSA directly. The process typically involves filling out forms and providing updated medical information to prove that your condition still meets the SSA’s disability criteria.
• Process: If you’re eligible, the SSA will restore your benefits for up to 6 months while they review your case. During this period, they will verify your medical condition, work status, and other factors.

Reinstatement After a Trial Work Period (TWP)

If you worked for a period of time and your SSDI benefits were suspended or reduced, you may qualify for reinstatement after the completion of your Trial Work Period (TWP).

• Trial Work Period (TWP): If you participated in the TWP, you can continue to receive SSDI benefits for up to 9 months of work while earning above the SGA limit. After the TWP ends, you’ll need to show that you are still unable to work full-time due to your disability.
• Reinstatement: If you were previously participating in a TWP and stopped working or became unable to continue working, your benefits may be reinstated without a full re-application process.

Step 3: Submit Medical Documentation

To have your SSDI reinstated, you must provide updated medical evidence showing that you are still disabled. The SSA will require current medical records and documentation from your healthcare providers to prove that your disability continues to meet their criteria.

• New or updated medical records: Ensure that you provide the SSA with up-to-date medical records showing the severity of your condition. This can include doctor’s notes, test results, hospital records, and any new treatments or therapies you are undergoing.
• Cooperation with SSA: You must be willing to work with the SSA and provide any necessary documentation they request to process your reinstatement.

Step 4: Monitor Your Work Activity

If your benefits were stopped because you returned to work, make sure you are staying below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit to maintain your eligibility for SSDI benefits.

• SGA Limit: The SGA limit is set annually by the SSA, and earning above this limit could cause your SSDI benefits to be suspended again. Ensure that you don’t exceed the income threshold, and if your work situation changes, report it to the SSA immediately.

Step 5: Appeal a Denied Reinstatement Request

If your application for reinstatement is denied, you can appeal the decision. The SSA allows you to request a reconsideration of their decision or appeal to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) if you disagree with the decision.

• Reconsideration: You can request that the SSA review your case again to determine whether the reinstatement decision was correct.
• Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you have the option to request a hearing before an ALJ. This is an opportunity to present additional evidence and explain why you should be reinstated.

Step 6: Seek Legal Assistance

Navigating the SSDI reinstatement process can be complicated. If you are unsure about how to proceed or if you need assistance gathering documentation or preparing for an appeal, working with a disability attorney can greatly improve your chances of success. An attorney can help you:

• Ensure your application is complete and includes all the necessary evidence.
• Guide you through the appeals process if your reinstatement is denied.
• Represent you in hearings before an ALJ to present your case effectively.