For many people in Sacramento, Social Security income often helps support housing, medical care, and basic stability, and losing benefits can have a major impact on their finances. If you are in this situation, you may be asking, “What are some ways you can lose Social Security?” Learning where problems arise can help you protect your eligibility, avoid preventable suspensions, and respond quickly when SSA requests information that affects your benefits.
Missing Deadlines, Notices, or Required Social Security Reviews
Many benefit interruptions happen unexpectedly, often because rules have been misunderstood or notices have gone overlooked. When you miss a deadline or notice or ignore a required review, your benefits can stop, even if you are still eligible under Social Security laws. For many, that income is essential to paying expenses, even when many recipients also work.
According to the Social Security Figures 2024 Fact Sheet, nearly 54 million people receive retirement benefits from Social Security, with another 5.8 million who receive survivors’ benefits.
Many people lose their Social Security benefits because of errors or miscommunication. Although frustrating, this is a common occurrence. If you are unfamiliar with the process, understanding which mistakes can cause you to lose your benefits is one of the first steps you can take. Understanding what triggers these problems can help you prevent unnecessary benefit loss. Common issues that cause a denial of benefits can include:
- A change in income or work status
- Failing to respond to Social Security Administration (SSA) requests for information
- Missing Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)
- Providing inaccurate or incomplete information
- Not following your doctor’s prescribed treatment
Earning Too Much Income While Receiving Social Security Benefits
Work activity is one of the most common risks of losing your benefits. For people receiving Social Security disability, returning to work can mean a change in earnings, which can trigger a review and possibly lead to a suspension of benefits. Situations that create problems when returning to work include exceeding monthly earnings limits, misunderstanding the Trial Work Period rules, and failing a Social Security redetermination.
Not Reporting Changes That Affect Social Security Eligibility
Reporting obligations are strict, especially for Supplemental Security Insurance recipients. Failing to report changes could result in having no source of income for many Americans. Because eligibility depends on income, resources, and medical status, even small unreported changes can trigger reviews by a Social Security attorney or the SSA.
Certain changes require immediate reporting. Examples of some changes that might result in benefits denial include:
- Changes in living arrangements or marital status
- Receipt of gifts or financial assistance
- Medical improvement or a new diagnosis
- Reaching full retirement age
- Failing to cooperate with medical exams
In addition, the SSA often requests information such as medical records or forms like Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) as part of their ongoing assessment for recipients to maintain benefits. Ignoring the requests, failing to provide information when requested, or providing incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to overpayment and create the need for an investigation and correction, which can lead to benefit suspension in many cases.
When You Should Hire a Social Security Lawyer
When Social Security is a vital part of your income, it can be overwhelming and intimidating if those benefits are suspended. The time you have to sort it out may be limited. If your payments stopped or you believe that they are going to be, it is crucial to hire a Social Security lawyer with the knowledge and experience to get them reinstated.
Your attorney can handle correspondence related to your claim, respond to requests by the SSA, present your case, and represent you at hearings so that your rights and interests are always at the forefront of your claim. You don’t have to face suspended Social Security benefits alone.
FAQs
Q: Are the Rules Different for Keeping SSI and SSDI?
A: Yes, there are many rules that are different for people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is based on the recipient’s income and available resources, while SSDI is based on work history and not necessarily assets, although there are generally still restrictions on new earnings. If you are unsure which you may need, a trusted Social Security lawyer can help you decide.
Q: Can You Collect SSI and SSDI at the Same Time?
A: Yes, in many cases, you can collect SSI and SSDI at the same time. However, this largely depends on the eligibility for each program, as well as whether the SSDI payment increases your income enough that you no longer qualify for SSI. It is essential to make sure this is being handled appropriately to avoid overpayment and possible suspension of benefits.
Q: Can Social Security Retirement Benefits Be Taken Away?
A: Social Security retirement benefits can be taken away in certain situations that include voluntarily withdrawing a request or making an error in eligibility status. Another way benefits can get taken away is getting incarcerated for more than 30 days following a criminal conviction. The SSA pauses payments during incarceration but allows benefits to resume after release if eligibility remains intact.
Q: What Disqualifies You from Social Security Retirement?
A: A person may be disqualified from retirement benefits if they voluntarily withdraw their application. Another reason for disqualification is the lack of sufficient work credits. Disqualification may also happen if your earnings records are inaccurate or if your applications are filed prematurely. You can withdraw your retirement application within specific time limits, but that might also permanently affect your eligibility.
Contact Gade & Parekh, LLP Today
Gade & Parekh, LLP is a Sacramento Social Security law firm focused exclusively on Social Security Disability and SSI representation. Our skilled attorneys have more than 30 years of experience advocating for people with the SSA, including correcting missed deadlines, responding to reviews properly, and protecting your benefits before administrative errors block you from receiving essential financial assistance.
Our firm serves clients throughout Sacramento County with personalized legal advocacy and detailed case guidance. If your Social Security benefits have been suspended, contact Gade & Parekh, LLP today to help you get them reinstated.