Social Security Termination of Benefits in Atlanta
The termination of your Social Security disability benefits can be jarring and confusing, especially if you didn’t see it coming. While there are valid reasons for benefits coming to an end, the skilled attorneys at Cruz & Associates are well-versed in termination of benefits and the claims process, and can help you file an appeal if you believe you should continue receiving benefits.
Although the appeal process can be long, our team in Atlanta is with you every step of the way and will ensure you have everything you need while you wait for more answers.
Why Were Your SSDI Benefits Terminated?
There are a few different reasons your Social Security disability benefits may have been terminated. Social Security Disability Insurance program termination can be caused by:
Returning to Work
This is the most common reason benefits are terminated. If you return to what is considered “substantial gainful activity” (SGA), meaning you’re working or earning a certain amount, the Social Security Administration may terminate your benefits. The trial work period (TWP) allows you to return to work without losing your benefits for up to nine months.
Medical Improvement
Improvement of medical, mental or psychiatric conditions may be cause for benefit termination. Disability cases are typically re-evaluated every three to seven years to determine if beneficiaries are still considered disabled. While health improvement is to be celebrated, our team can help you submit an appeal if you feel you still need benefits.
Age
Reaching retirement age is grounds for benefit termination. The current retirement age is 66. The good news, however, is that once you stop earning SSDI, you should begin earning Social Security retirement benefits.
Being Incarcerated or Institutionalized
If you go to prison or another type of penal institution to serve time for a crime, your benefits will freeze while you are incarcerated. Benefits will stop 30 days after incarceration and begin again one month after your release. In some cases, benefits will cease even without incarceration if you are convicted of a felony.
Why Were Your SSI Benefits Terminated?
Your Supplemental Security Income benefits may be terminated for other reasons, which can include:
Changes in Income or Assets
This is the most common reason someone may lose benefits. If your income or assets go above the SSI limit, benefits will terminate. In 2021, the limit is $794 per month for individual income and a worth of $2,000 in individual assets or resources. This could consider income—individual, spousal or parental—or various resources like food and shelter.
Returning to Work
If you return to work and the Social Security Administration finds you are no longer disabled, benefits will likely be terminated. With the SSI program, there are no trial work periods, but there may be work incentives available to you.
Changes in Living Situation
If you leave the U.S. for over 30 days, benefits will stop. Additionally, moving out of an institution, such as a halfway house or nursing home, may affect eligibility.
Age
When children receive SSI, once they reach the age of 18, the SSA will re-evaluate conditions based on the adult standards at that time. This may result in a termination of benefits.
Medical Improvement
Improvement of medical, mental or psychiatric conditions may be cause for benefit termination. Disability cases are typically re-evaluated every three to seven years to determine if beneficiaries are still considered disabled. While health improvement is to be celebrated, our team can help you submit an appeal if you feel you still need benefits.
We Can Help Build Your Appeal Case
You have 60 days from when you receive your termination letter to file an appeal. This is when it’s most important to have a benefits attorney you trust. It is statistically proven you are more likely to win your appeal with a lawyer than without.
Our experienced termination of benefits attorneys will help you craft your Request for Reconsideration as well as represent you at your Social Security disability hearing. The appeals process can move slowly. Our attorneys can also help you plan for the stretch of time between your benefit termination and appeal approval.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Getting to the bottom of your SSI or SSDI benefit termination does not have to be a difficult process. With the top attorneys at Cruz & Associates on your side, you’ll be able to file your Request for Reconsideration quickly and efficiently. We serve Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett counties with years of experienced legal representation, and we can help you get the benefits you need. Simply fill out our online contact form or call our Atlanta office today to schedule a consultation.