How Long Can A Disabled Person Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

If there is no improvement in a claimant’s disability and he/she is unable to work, then social security disability benefits will last until they reach retirement age. Once the retirement age is reached, you will avail retirement benefits. However, with advancements in medical science and rehabilitation techniques, many people with disabilities are recovering faster from serious illnesses and injuries arising due to accidents. The qualifying ability of the beneficiaries can be efficiently evaluated with accurate medical records compiled by medical record review companies.

What are social security disability benefits?

People with disabilities are assisted by two programs, they are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are insured, SSDI pays benefits to you and certain family members. The benefits for adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources are covered by SSI. The medical requirements of both programs are the same.

Once the non-medical requirements are met, monthly benefits under the scheme are paid if the medical condition is expected to last for one year or result in death. The medical conditions of the patients are reviewed periodically by SSA to ensure that the criteria set are met. If SSA is satisfied that the claimant is fit to work, then the disability benefits will be discontinued and he/she will be categorized as unemployed.

As per ssa. gov, the beneficiaries are required to inform SSA, if any of the following occur:

• There’s any change in your ability to work
• You return to work
• Your medical condition improves

If you are recovered and still availing of the benefits, it would potentially amount to fraud. If the beneficiary dies while getting SSA benefits, the check received has to be given back to SSA the next month.

How long will you be receiving social security disability benefits?

If the degree of disability is as mandated by the SSA, the beneficiary will receive social security disability benefits. It implies that the beneficiaries are eligible for benefits as long as the disability prevents them from working. The periodic review referred to as continuing disability reviews (CDRs) will be conducted by the SSA to ascertain that the claimant is still eligible for disability benefits. The time period with which the review is conducted depends upon the severity of the condition and the likelihood of recovery. If the beneficiary is capable of working, the change in medical condition has to be reported to the SSA, even in the face of a cessation of benefits.  A medical case chronology report gives an accurate sequence of medical encounters. This can be evaluated to know the medical condition of the patient.

Cases in which a claimant may be found ineligible for disability benefits

Three are three scenarios wherein you stop receiving social disability benefits.

1. If the beneficiary is no longer disabled
   As the patient gets treated, the conditions start to improve and subsequently would become completely recovered. This makes it clear that the beneficiary has the capability to work. At this juncture, the social security disability benefits will end. Let us consider a certain situation.

   Francisco was seriously injured in a road accident. After a thorough medical examination, he was diagnosed with spinal cord injury. Being employed in a labor-intensive sector, the injury hindered him from working. SSA considered his application for getting disability benefits. After the review of his medical condition, his application for benefits was approved. With the support of his family and the medical team treating him, his medical condition gradually started to improve after 4 years of treatment. Steady progress bolstered his confidence to resume working. Finally, his injury was completely healed, enabling him to work again. Consequently, Francisco was no longer eligible for social security disability benefits.

2. When the beneficiary has reached the retirement age
   The social security disability benefits cease to exist if the beneficiary has reached the age of 65. At 65, the benefits are automatically converted into social security retirement benefits. The amount of money received in both cases is the same.
3. The income earned by the beneficiary is more
   There is a limit set by the SSDI and SSA on the income to get qualified as a beneficiary in receiving social security disability benefits. If the income exceeds this limit, the payments are expected to stop.

A reputed medical chart review company can be entrusted to evaluate the severity of the injury of the beneficiary that can help attorneys t have an objective understanding of the lawsuit.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is sourced from reliable internet resources, and is meant for informative purposes only. For a professional opinion on this topic, consult an experienced social security disability attorney.