On average, SSA will review a claimant’s
benefits every 3 to 5 years. However, SSA is allowed to review a claim at any
time that they see fit. Thus, if SSA expects that a condition may improve or
cease over a period of time, they may flag the case for a quicker review. In
fact, it is not at all unusual for an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) to add
the condition to a decision that the case be reviewed within a 1 year period.
Additionally, SSI recipients tend to be reviewed
more often than SSDI beneficiaries. This is because SSI is a “needs-based”
program in which a claimant is responsible for reporting any changes in income
or household earnings. Thus, claimants are charged with regularly reporting
relevant changes in their economic status to SSA when they are receiving SSI
benefits.
All claimants, regardless of whether they are receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, should presume they will have their eligibility regularly reviewed by SSA. In order to prevent your benefits from being terminated, stay in consistent treatment with the appropriate medical and mental health providers who customarily treat your conditions. Additionally, make sure you familiarize yourself with SSA’s rules about working while collecting benefits. Finally, make sure you report any changes in your household income levels to SSA if you are a SSI recipient.
Got a question about SSDI or SSI that you need us to answer? Please check out our website at www.westcoastdisability.com . We try to provide you with helpful information on our website that will allow you to successfully navigate the Social Security Disability process. Also, feel free to email me your questions at megan@westcoastdisability.com or call me at (800) 459-3017 x 103.
