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Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide crucial financial support when a medical condition prevents you from working. However, if your circumstances change, such as experiencing an improvement in your health or returning to work, your SSDI benefits might be suspended. Fortunately, there’s a path to restarting those benefits if your disability prevents you from working again.
When Do SSDI Benefits Get Suspended?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has several reasons why they might suspend your SSDI payments:
- Earnings Exceed Limits—If you return to work and your income surpasses a specific threshold (known as Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA), your benefits might be placed on hold.
- Medical Improvement—The SSA periodically reviews your medical condition. If they determine you’ve experienced significant improvement and your disability no longer prevents you from working, your benefits could be suspended.
Expedited Reinstatement: The Key to Restarting Benefits
If your SSDI benefits have been suspended due to work activity, the SSA offers a process called Expedited Reinstatement (EXR). This provision allows you to potentially restart your benefits quickly, without filing a brand new application, under the following conditions:
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- Within 5 Years—You must request EXR within five years of when your benefits were originally suspended.
- Disability Unchanged—Your current disability must be the same as or related to the medical condition that initially qualified you for SSDI.
- Unable to Work—You need to demonstrate that you’re currently unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) due to your disability.
Read More: Can My Long-Term Pain be Classed as a Disability?
How to Request Expedited Reinstatement
The simplest way to request EXR is by calling the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will ask you a series of questions to determine your eligibility. However, don’t let a phone call intimidate you—you may also request reinstatement by visiting your local SSA office or submitting a written request.
What Happens Next?
If the SSA approves your Expedited Reinstatement request, your SSDI benefits could restart as soon as the following month. You might also receive provisional benefits for up to six months while the SSA conducts a more thorough review of your medical condition.
What if I Don’t Qualify for EXR?
If it’s been more than five years since your suspension or your disability is different, you’ll need to file a new SSDI application. Since the approval process can be lengthy, applying as soon as possible is important.
Navigating the Complexities of Restarting SSDI Benefits
Restarting SSDI benefits can become complex depending on the reason for the initial suspension and your individual circumstances. If you have any questions or need assistance, consider reaching out to your local Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for guidance or seeking the help of an experienced SSDI attorney.
If You Are Denied Benefits, Reach Out to Tabak Law
Don’t let suspended SSDI benefits leave you in financial hardship. If your disability prevents you from returning to work, explore your options for reinstatement. Having trouble restarting your benefits? Are you being denied the benefits you deserve? Contact Tabak Law for a free SSDI case review.
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