Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a financial lifeline for millions of Americans unable to work due to a qualifying disability. However, many beneficiaries mistakenly believe that once approved, their benefits are guaranteed for life. That’s not the case.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has several strict ongoing requirements, and failing to meet them could result in suspension or termination of payments.
From medical recovery to work activity or incarceration, there are multiple ways your benefits could be reduced or stopped. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your SSDI payments in 2025 and beyond.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI is a federal benefit program administered by the SSA, offering monthly payments to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term or permanent disability. To qualify, recipients must have paid into the Social Security system through previous employment and must meet SSA’s definition of a total disability.
While initial approval is difficult, keeping the benefit also depends on ongoing eligibility.
Reasons You Could Lose SSDI Benefits
Even if you’re currently receiving SSDI, there are multiple ways you could lose your eligibility. These include:
- Medical improvement
- Returning to work without proper reporting
- Earning above the allowed limits
- Incarceration for more than 30 days
- Reaching Full Retirement Age
Medical Improvement Can End Benefits
SSDI benefits are not permanent for all recipients. If your condition improves and the SSA determines you are no longer disabled, your benefits can be terminated.
SSA conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) every 3 to 7 years, depending on your condition. If a CDR shows that you’ve recovered enough to return to work, the payments will stop.
Returning to Work and Trial Work Period
SSDI recipients can try returning to work through a Trial Work Period (TWP) without losing benefits. However, strict rules apply:
| Program Phase | Key Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Trial Work Period (TWP) | Up to 9 months with monthly earnings over $1,110 |
| Re-entitlement Period | Next 36 months: Benefits suspended if earnings exceed $1,550/month (or $2,590 if blind) |
| Full Termination | If earnings remain above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level after 36 months |
Failing to report work activity may lead to overpayments, penalties, or permanent loss of benefits.
Incarceration Results in Suspension
If you are incarcerated for more than 30 consecutive days, your SSDI benefits will be suspended.
| Legal Status | Impact on SSDI Payments |
|---|---|
| Incarcerated 30+ days | Payments suspended |
| Sentenced for felony | Payments stopped; reapplication may be required upon release |
| Serving sentence over 1 year | SSA cannot issue payments |
SSDI benefits are not payable to individuals serving time in jail, prison, or other government-funded penal institutions.
Reaching Full Retirement Age
Your SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA). The amount remains the same, and you no longer need to meet disability requirements. However, the program and eligibility structure change.
Required Reporting While Receiving SSDI
To remain in good standing with SSA and continue receiving benefits, SSDI recipients are required to report changes. Here’s a quick overview:
| Change to Report | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Health improvement | May trigger medical review and eligibility reassessment |
| Starting a job | Triggers Trial Work Period and earnings monitoring |
| Going to jail or prison | Benefits suspended after 30 days |
| Change in address or marital status | May affect eligibility or benefit amount |
You can report these changes by:
- Calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Visiting your local Social Security office
- Using your My Social Security Account online
While SSDI benefits provide essential support to millions of disabled Americans, recipients must meet ongoing eligibility requirements to keep receiving payments. Failure to report work activity, incarceration, or health improvements could result in penalties or full termination of your monthly checks.
If you’re receiving SSDI, stay compliant by reporting all required changes, understanding the rules around Trial Work Periods and SGA, and monitoring your medical status. Don’t lose your benefits due to a simple oversight—stay informed, stay protected.
FAQs
Can I work and still keep my SSDI benefits?
Yes, through the Trial Work Period, you can test working without losing benefits. But after the trial period, you must stay under SGA limits to keep receiving SSDI.
Do I lose SSDI if I go to jail?
Yes, after 30 days of incarceration, SSDI benefits are suspended. You must notify SSA immediately to avoid overpayment.
What happens to SSDI when I turn 66 or 67?
Once you reach Full Retirement Age, your SSDI benefits convert into Social Security retirement benefits automatically—no need to reapply or change anything.