| Summary: Reinstating SSI benefits may take up to six months. If eligible, you can use Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) for faster processing. Provide necessary documents, and if denied, appeal through reconsideration or a hearing with an ALJ. |
Losing your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can be stressful—especially when you are counting on that support to meet basic needs, such as:
- Food
- Housing
- Medical care
What becomes challenging is not knowing how to get your SSI back or how long it will take.
Whether:
- Your payments stopped due to increased income
- Missed paperwork
- Change in your medical condition
The process to restart them can feel confusing and overwhelming.
Here we will walk you through the SSI reinstatement process step by step, and explain how long each part of the process takes.
Why Would Social Security Disability Benefits be Suspended?
1. Incarceration For More Than 30 Days
If you are in jail or prison for more than 30 days, your SSI benefits are paused. You will need to contact Social Security to start them again after you are released.
2. Exceeding Income or Resource Limits
SSI is for people with limited income. If you earn too much from work or other sources, your benefits may be suspended until your financial situation qualifies again. For 2025, the monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals is $2,700. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount is $1,620. If your earnings exceed these amounts, your Social Security Disability benefits may be suspended.
3. Medical Recovery
If your disability has medically improved and no longer meets Social Security’s criteria, your benefits may be suspended.
4. Failing to Report Changes
Missing deadlines for mandatory medical reviews or failing to report changes in income, living arrangements, marital status, or legal status can result in suspension.
5. Changes in Living Arrangements
Any move must be reported to SSA when you seek reinstatement, such as:
- Shifting into someone else’s home
- Living on your own
- Entering a care facility
- Changes in who pays for your food and shelter
These changes directly impact both your eligibility and the amount of SSI received.
Steps To Reinstate Your SSI Benefits
Here we will learn about how to restart suspended social security benefits:
1. Determine Why Your SSI Was Stopped
Benefits may stop due to one of the following reasons:
- Excess income/resources
- Failure to complete a required review
- Not reporting changes
- Missed appointments
- Exceeding SSI income limits
Understanding the exact reason helps determine the best reinstatement approach.
2. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or use your “my Social Security” account to review the specific reason for suspension or termination.
An SSA representative will clarify next steps and what is needed for reinstatement.
3. Collect and Submit Necessary Documentation
Submit proof that addresses the reason for suspension, such as:
- Updated medical records
- Recent pay slips or information showing income/resources returned below the SSI limits
- Evidence of your current living situation
4. Request Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) If Eligible
EXR allows you to restart SSI benefits without filing a new application. You may qualify if your benefits ended due to work and you are now unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Eligibility Criteria for EXR:
You may qualify for EXR if you:
- Previously received disability benefits that ended due to SGA.
- Are now unable to work at the SGA level due to the same or a related medical condition.
- Make the request within 60 months (5 years) from the month your benefits ended.
- Have a current medical impairment that is the same or related to your original disability.
- Meet the medical improvement review standard (MIRS) criteria for disability.
| Note: If your previous disability was approved for a closed period (a limited timeframe), you are not eligible for EXR. |
5. Cooperate with Disability Determination Services (DDS)
During the review, DDS may request further documents or a consultative exam. Promptly respond to all requests to keep the process moving forward.
6. Follow Up and Monitor Your Case
Regularly check in with SSA either online or by phone to confirm paperwork is received and ask for updates. Keep copies of all correspondence.
7. Appeal a Denial (If Necessary)
If your reinstatement is denied, you can appeal:
- Request reconsideration
- Seek a hearing with an administrative law judge
- Optionally, go before the appeals council or further appeal in federal court
How Long Does It Take to Reinstate SSI Benefits?
It usually takes up to six months to reinstate your SSI benefits if you qualify for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). During this time, the SSA provides provisional benefits, including cash payments and Medicaid, starting the month after your request.
| NOTE: You can ask to have your SSI restarted within 12 months if it was just suspended (not canceled). |
What to Do If Your Reinstatement Is Denied?
1. Request Reconsideration
You must file a request for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. During this stage, a different claims examiner will review your case and any additional evidence you provide.
2. Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
If your reconsideration is denied, you can ask for a hearing in front of an ALJ. You will be able to:
- Present new medical evidence
- Bring witnesses
- Explain your case in person
It is strongly recommended to have an attorney to help present your case at this stage.
3. Appeals Council Review
If the ALJ agrees with the denial, you can request a review by the Social Security Appeals Council. The Council will review the hearing decision and the evidence, which can take several months.
4. File a Case in Federal Court
If the Appeals Council denies your request or also upholds the decision, your final option is to file a lawsuit in federal court.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the process of reinstating your SSI benefit will help you to manage it easily. The key is to know why they stopped and act quickly to address the issue.
For those who qualify, Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) offers a path to restarting benefits without submitting a new application, with provisional payments available during review.
The process typically takes six months, depending on how quickly you respond and submit the required documents.
If your request is denied, you have multiple appeal options, from reconsideration all the way to federal court. During this time, you can consider the help of an SSI lawyer at Nationwide Representatives.
To make the process easier, you can also download our free checklist: “What You Need to Reinstate Your SSI Benefits.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to restart suspended Social Security benefits online?
To restart suspended Social Security benefits online:
- Identify the cause of suspension by contacting the SSA.
- Gather documents to address the cause.
- Submit a reinstatement request through your “my Social Security” account or the SSA website.
- If eligible, request Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) for provisional payments while processing.
- Follow up regularly to check the status of your request.
2. Do I have to notify Social Security if I start working again?
You do not need to notify Social Security immediately when you start working again. But, you should keep them updated on any earning changes and report monthly earnings to remain compliant with SSA rules.
3. How long can your SSI be suspended?
If SSI benefits are suspended for any reason, the suspension can last for up to 12 consecutive months.
4. Will you receive back pay for the months your SSI benefits were suspended once they are reinstated?
If your SSI benefits were suspended and then reinstated, you may be eligible to receive back pay for the months you were eligible but not paid, depending on the specific circumstances and the reason for your suspension.
