How to Maintain Your Social Security Disability Status
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is crucial for individuals awarded Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
When a person is awarded Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, the amount they receive is based on several factors including income, work history, marital status, and even the number of dependents the claimant cares for. That’s why after you’re approved for SSD benefits, it’s crucial to immediately report any changes in your life to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Importance of Reporting Changes to Your Social Security Disability Status
If your income or disability status changes, you must tell the SSA within 10 days after the month ends. Not doing this can cause problems like delays, less money, or losing your benefits completely.”
Key Changes That Impact Your SSD Benefits
SSDI Lawyers stress the importance of notifying the SSA about various life events that may impact your benefit status, such as:
- Changes in Employment or Income: Whether you’ve started a new job, experienced a change in income, or are no longer able to work, updating your employment status is critical.
- Relocation: Moving to a new address can impact your benefits, especially if it changes your cost of living or access to medical care.
- Extended Travel: Planning to be away from your usual residence for more than 30 days? The SSA needs to know.
- Marital Changes: Marrying or divorcing can affect your benefit amount, especially if your spouse is also a beneficiary of SSD or other social security benefits.
- Family Dynamics: The birth of a child or the death of a dependent can change the number of beneficiaries under your claim, requiring an update.
- Receiving Other Benefits: Approval for other types of benefits, such as Workers’ Compensation or another country’s social security benefits, must be reported.
Consequences of Not Updating Your SSD Status
Not reporting changes quickly can lead to serious consequences. The SSA may ask for money back if you were overpaid. Your payments could also be affected, ranging from a temporary pause to stopping completely, depending on the mistake.
If changes aren’t updated within 10 days, the SSA may choose to require the beneficiary to pay back a certain amount in Social Security Disability benefits. The agency may also choose to place sanctions on payments for a period of time or halt payments all together, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Navigating Changes with Expert SSDI Lawyers
Understanding the intricacies of Social Security Disability benefits can be challenging. Expert SSDI lawyers can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities of maintaining your benefit status. They can aid in comprehending your responsibilities, facilitate the process of reporting, and provide guidance on how to evade typical blunders that might risk your benefits.
Contact Newlin Disability
Your Social Security Disability status isn’t merely a claim number—it’s a vital support system during tough periods. Keeping abreast and adhering to SSA regulations is crucial to protect your benefits. For tailored advice, think about seeking help from an experienced SSDI lawyer who can assist you in understanding the details of your case and maintaining the security of your benefits.
If you’d like to learn more about the details of reporting changes to the SSA, take a look at the agency’s What You Need To Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits publication.
