How often do I need to update my SSD or SSI benefits?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 01/28/2025
Once you are approved for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, it’s important to keep the Social Security Administration (SSA) informed about any changes in your situation. Failing to update your information could affect your benefits or cause delays in receiving the assistance you need.
At Hogan Smith, we help clients navigate the complexities of maintaining and updating their SSD and SSI benefits. Below, we’ll explain how often you need to update your benefits and what types of changes you should report to the SSA.
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When Do You Need to Update SSD Benefits?
For
SSD
benefits, you typically don’t need to provide regular updates unless your situation changes. However, the SSA requires that you report certain life changes to ensure your eligibility continues. Here are the most important circumstances when you should update the SSA:
1. Return to Work
If you start working or earn more money than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, you must inform the SSA. Even if you're working part-time or earning a lower income, it’s essential to report your employment to avoid overpayments or other complications.
- 2025 SGA limit: For non-blind individuals, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month.
- You may qualify for Trial Work Period benefits, which allows you to work and still receive benefits for up to 9 months without affecting your payments. After that, the SSA will review your case to determine whether you can continue working.
2. Changes in Medical Condition
If your disability status changes—whether your condition improves, worsens, or stabilizes—you need to update the SSA. This could affect your eligibility for SSD benefits.
- Improvement: If you recover from your disability and are no longer unable to work, the SSA may stop your benefits.
- Worsening: If your condition worsens, you may qualify for a higher benefit amount or additional work incentives.
3. Change in Address or Contact Information
You must inform the SSA of any changes in your address, phone number, or other contact information. This ensures you don’t miss important notices or updates about your case.
4. Living Situation Changes
If you move into a different living situation, especially if it involves a change in household income, the SSA must be notified. For example, if you move in with a partner or family member, the SSA may want to review your living arrangements to ensure you’re still eligible.
5. Change in Marital Status
If you get married, divorced, or your spouse passes away, you need to inform the SSA. These changes can affect the amount of your SSD benefits.
6. Change in Income or Resources
If your income or assets increase or decrease significantly, you may need to update the SSA. For example, if you inherit money, receive a large gift, or start receiving other sources of income, the SSA needs to know to ensure you remain eligible for SSD benefits.
When Do You Need to Update SSI Benefits?
Unlike SSD benefits, SSI benefits are based on financial need, and it is critical to update the SSA whenever there is a change in your income, resources, or living situation. Here are the key updates you must report for SSI:
1. Changes in Income
If you start earning money from work or receive other income (like child support, unemployment, or other benefits), you must report it to the SSA. Even small amounts of income can affect your SSI payments.
- Earned Income: If you work, the SSA will count your earnings and determine how much they will reduce your monthly SSI benefits.
- Unearned Income: If you receive unearned income (such as gifts or payments from family), it could also affect your benefits.
2. Changes in Resources
SSI benefits are also based on your resources. If your resources exceed the allowable limit, your eligibility for SSI may be affected. Resources include things like savings, investments, or property (excluding your primary home and one vehicle).
- Resource Limit: For 2025, the SSI resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. If your resources exceed these limits, your SSI benefits may be reduced or terminated.
3. Changes in Living Situation
If you move or your living arrangement changes (for example, if you move in with a relative or receive assistance from someone), you need to inform the SSA. A change in your living situation can impact your SSI eligibility or the amount of benefits you receive.
4. Changes in Marital Status
Just like SSD, if you get married, divorced, or if your spouse passes away, you need to report it to the SSA. Changes in marital status can affect the amount of your SSI payment.
5. Medical or Health Condition Changes
If you experience significant changes in your medical condition, you should inform the SSA. Even if you have been receiving SSI benefits, changes in your health may lead to changes in your benefits, or you may need to reapply if your disability has improved.
How Often Should You Update the SSA?
- Report major life changes immediately:
As soon as any of the events mentioned above occur, you should report them to the SSA. This helps ensure that your benefits remain accurate and prevents overpayments or penalties.
- Annual updates: It’s a good idea to keep track of your income, resources, and living situation on an annual basis, even if nothing major has changed. If you are unsure whether a specific change requires an update, contact the SSA or an attorney to make sure your benefits remain intact.
How Can Hogan Smith Help You with Updating SSD or SSI Benefits?
At Hogan Smith, we understand that updating your SSD or SSI benefits can be confusing, and we are here to help. If you have any questions about what needs to be reported or if you're unsure whether certain changes will affect your benefits, we are happy to assist.
Here’s how we can help:
- Guidance on Reporting Requirements: We can help you understand which life changes need to be reported to the SSA and how to properly submit your updates.
- Assistance with Complex Cases: If your situation involves multiple changes (like a change in income and living situation), we can provide expert advice to ensure your benefits remain secure.
- Help with Appeals: If your benefits are affected by an update or if your benefits are mistakenly reduced or terminated, we can assist with the appeals process to ensure your case is handled fairly.
If you need help navigating the process of updating your SSD or SSI benefits, contact
Hogan Smith today. We’re here to provide support, answer your questions, and ensure you maintain the benefits you deserve.
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