The Social Security Administration (SSA) has clear rules about who can keep getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
In 2025, certain actions or life changes could cause these benefits to stop. It’s important to know these rules so you don’t lose your support. What are those changes to SSDI for 2025?
Main Reasons SSDI Benefits Could Stop in 2025
Health Gets Better
If your health improves enough that you no longer meet the SSA’s definition of being disabled, your SSDI benefits might end.
You’re required to let the SSA know if your condition gets a lot better. The SSA also does regular check-ups, called Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), to see if you still qualify.
Going Back to Work and Earning Too Much
If you start working again and make too much money, your SSDI benefits could stop. You’re allowed to try working for nine months without losing benefits—this is called a Trial Work Period.
But after that, if you earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if you’re blind), your benefits may be paused. The good news is, if your income later drops below that level, you can get your benefits back during a special 36-month period.
What Are The Other Reasons?
Reaching Full Retirement Age (FRA):
When you reach your full retirement age, your SSDI benefits automatically change to regular retirement benefits. The amount stays the same—it’s just called something different.
Going to Jail or Prison:
If you’re in jail for 30 days in a row or more, your benefits will be put on hold. Staying out of legal trouble helps you avoid this.
Lying or Giving False Information:
If you lie to the SSA or give wrong information on purpose, your benefits can be cut off right away. This can also lead to legal trouble.
Not Following SSA Rules:
If you don’t follow the SSA’s rules—like skipping required medical checkups or not following your treatment plan—you could lose your benefits.
What Should You Do?
The SSA usually asks the public to report any fraud that arises in SSDI benefits.
You can report it online through the Office of the Inspector General’s secure form or by calling the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
It’s also very important to respond quickly to any letters or requests from the SSA to avoid problems with your benefits.
Why SSDI Benefits Change Over Time?
People start or stop receiving SSDI for different reasons. Those can be –
- Medical recovery,
- Going back to work, or
- Reaching retirement age.
Make sure you understand and follow the SSA’s rules to keep with the benefits.
SSI Is Quite Different
If you get SSI (Supplemental Security Income), your benefits are more likely to stop. The reason can be that you earn too much money or have too many financial resources, not usually because of work, like with SSDI.
How to Hold On To Your SSDI Benefits in 2025?
1. Report Any Changes In The Income
Inform the SSA if you start earning money, whether from a job or self-employment.
In 2025, you can’t earn more than $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if you’re blind) without risking a pause in your benefits.
Note down the hours and pay. Even if there are small or irregular earnings, those must be reported.
2. Do Regular Medical Checkups (CDRs)
The SSA does regular reviews called Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). It is done to check if you still qualify.
- You need to keep your medical records organized and up to date.
- Go to all of the doctor visits and keep a detailed list of your symptoms and medications.
- If your condition gets worse, send the SSA updated medical information.
- Missing a CDR can cut off your benefits.
3. Follow SSA Rules and Stay in Touch
Most people lose benefits over small mistakes like missing a form or deadline.
- Make sure you follow all the rules—not just medical ones. Things like paperwork and deadlines matter too.
- Give a quick response to letters or requests from the SSA.
- Keep copies of everything you send in.
4. Be Careful When Returning to Work
Know the Trial Work Period rules. You get about 9 months to try working without losing benefits.
After that, don’t go over the monthly income limit (SGA).
- Inform SSA if your job gives you any special help or accommodations.
- The Ticket to Work program might be a good option if you want to try working safely.
5. Keep Your Info Updated
If you change your address, phone number, or bank account, tell SSA within 10 days.
- Update your direct deposit info if your bank account changes.
- Let them know if your name changes because of marriage or divorce.
- Missing important mail because of outdated information could cost you your benefits.
What to Do If You Get a Notice Saying Your SSDI Benefits Are Suspended?
If you get a suspension notice from the SSA, don’t panic. Follow these steps:
1. Know Why Your Benefits Were Suspended
- Read the notice carefully to find out the exact reason — it could be because of work, health improvement, or something else.
- Check all dates and numbers to make sure there aren’t any mistakes, especially in earnings or medical info.
- Look for the deadline to appeal — usually, you have 60 days from the date on the notice. Mark this date so you don’t miss it.
- See if the notice mentions work you forgot to report or if it talks about your medical condition clearly. Sometimes the review isn’t complete.
2. Collect Important Documents
Gather all letters and papers you’ve received from the SSA to show you’ve been following their rules.
- If it’s a work-related suspension, collect pay stubs, tax records, and proof of work expenses related to your disability.
- Ask coworkers or supervisors to write statements about any limitations you have at work.
- If it’s a medical suspension, get updated doctor reports, test results, and notes from specialists or therapists.
- Collect pharmacy records showing you’re taking your medications regularly.
3. File an Appeal Quickly
Fill out Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and explain clearly why you think the suspension is wrong.
- If it’s medical, include new doctor reports. If it’s work-related, provide proof of your income.
- Send everything by certified mail and keep copies with proof you sent them on time. Missing the deadline means losing your chance to appeal.
- Write a summary of your medical history and a statement about how your condition affects your daily life.
- Ask the SSA to confirm they got your appeal and follow up if you don’t hear back in two weeks.
4. Request a Hearing if Your Appeal Is Denied
If your appeal is turned down, file Form HA-501 within 60 days to ask for a hearing with a judge.
- Explain how your condition limits you, with details about your work abilities.
- Bring updated medical tests and identify witnesses, like family members, who can talk about your situation.
- Review any evidence SSA holds against you and prepare answers to their points.
- If you need an interpreter, request one well before the hearing.
5. Hire Lawyers for Difficult Cases
If your benefits are stopped or denied, you need to get help from an SSDI attorney. They can spot mistakes and help you make the decision.
- They can get your full SSA records and know how to challenge unrealistic job ideas.
- Having a lawyer usually leads to better results at hearings.
- Many of them work on a “no win, no fee” basis—you only pay if you win your benefits back.
- They can also help you understand how long the appeal process will take.
To Wrap Up
SSDI suspension can be quite disturbing, but you don’t have to go through everything all alone. You need to know your rights to prevent SSDI benefits suspension or termination in 2025.
Most people successfully overturn suspensions by taking informed actions with proper documentation.
An experienced lawyer understands every aspect of Social Security Administration regulations and appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest Social Security benefit?
If you’re thinking about retirement, you might wonder how much money you can get from Social Security. As of January 2025, the most you can receive at full retirement age is $4,018 per month.
Can I pause my Social Security benefits?
If you’re already getting benefits, you can choose to stop them temporarily until you turn 70. Your payments will stop starting the month after you ask to pause them.
What are three ways you could lose some Social Security benefits?
Here are three common reasons:
- You keep working, but start taking benefits early—this can reduce your payments.
- You are a spouse who earns much less than your partner—this might lower your benefits.
- You are still alive in the year 2034, because changes to the program might reduce benefits for future retirees.