Understand Why Your SSI Benefits Were Stopped

Before you can take the necessary steps to get back on SSI, you need to understand why your benefits were discontinued in the first place. Some common reasons include:

• Exceeding Income Limits: If your income or assets exceeded the SSI income limits, your benefits might have been stopped.
• Medical Improvement: If the Social Security Administration (SSA) determined that your disability improved and you are now able to work, your SSI benefits may have been stopped.
• Failure to Recertify: Sometimes, SSI recipients need to go through a recertification process to prove they continue to meet eligibility requirements. If you failed to recertify, your benefits may have been stopped.
• Change in Living Situation: Changes such as moving to a different state or a change in household composition can affect your SSI eligibility.

Reapply for SSI Benefits

If your benefits were stopped and you are still disabled or meet the eligibility requirements, you can reapply for SSI. The process is similar to applying for SSI for the first time. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete the SSI Application: You can apply for SSI online through the SSA's website at www.ssa.gov, or you can schedule an appointment to apply in person or over the phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• Submit Medical Records: Be sure to provide current medical records that show your disability and your need for financial assistance. The SSA will review this information to determine if you still meet the medical criteria for SSI.
• Provide Financial Information: You’ll need to provide details of your current income, assets, and living situation. The SSA has strict financial limits for SSI eligibility, so ensure all your information is accurate and up-to-date.

Appeal the Decision (If Your SSI Benefits Were Wrongfully Stopped)

If your SSI benefits were stopped and you believe the decision was wrong, you have the right to appeal. The SSA offers multiple levels of appeals if you disagree with their decision:

• Request Reconsideration: This is the first level of appeal, where the SSA will review your case again. You can submit new medical records or other evidence to strengthen your case.
• Request a Hearing: If the reconsideration decision is not in your favor, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is an important step where you can present your case in person and offer additional evidence to support your claim.
• Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council. If the Council denies your claim, you may pursue a Federal Court appeal.

Understand Medical and Financial Requirements

When you apply to get back on SSI, it’s important to meet both medical and financial requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

• Medical Requirements: You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which means you have a condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. If your condition has worsened or remains severe, this will strengthen your application.
• Financial Requirements: The SSI program is designed for individuals with limited financial resources. For 2025, the asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, and the income limit is also quite low. If you’ve had a change in income or assets since your benefits were stopped, you must report it accurately.

Reestablish Eligibility Through a Change in Circumstances

If your SSI benefits were stopped due to a change in your circumstances (such as an improvement in your disability or an increase in your income), you can still regain eligibility if your situation changes again. For example:

• If Your Condition Worsens: If your medical condition worsens, you may be able to demonstrate that you are no longer able to work and meet the SSA’s disability requirements.
• If Your Income Decreases: If you had a change in employment or income that brought you below the SSI income limits, you may qualify again for SSI.
• If Your Assets Decrease: If your assets are below the eligibility limit, you may be eligible to reapply for SSI.