If you apply for Social Security benefits, you will have to wait at least 8 months to receive them. This includes those who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. With that in mind, you will want to ensure you follow all the steps to avoid having your benefits denied by the administration.
Certain situations could cause you to lose your monthly Social Security benefits, including time in jail, starting a new job, and divorce. The type of benefits you receive is also important, which is why we provide more detailed information on this.
You Are Earning Too Much Money
If you start a new job while already a beneficiary, it could affect the amount of money you receive each month.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Getting a job could be one of the reasons you lose your SSI benefits, according to the Social Security Administration. It depends on how much income you have. Generally, SSI eligibility is for individuals with incomes of $1,971 or less per month.
If your income exceeds that amount, you will no longer qualify to receive the benefits. Note that if you are working, $1 will be deducted from your payment for every $2 you earn. For the year 2024, the maximum amount you could receive per month is $943 for single individuals or $1,415 for a couple.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD)
SSDI beneficiaries can return to work for up to nine months without losing their benefits. This is the Social Security Administration’s nine-month trial work period. If after that you have earnings of $1,550 a month or more, the SSA will consider that substantial gainful activity. In that case, your benefits will be suspended for the months your earnings exceed the substantial amount during the 36-month extended period of eligibility following the completion of the TWP.
If your earnings fall below the substantial amount during that 36-month period, your benefits can be reinstated. The benefits will end if your earnings exceed the substantial amount after the 36-month extended period of eligibility.
You Go to Jail or Prison
If you are in jail or prison for more than 30 days, your Social Security and SSI benefits can be suspended. Once you are out of jail, you will not automatically regain your benefits.
Social Security/SSDI:
If you are a Social Security beneficiary and your benefits have been suspended due to being sentenced to jail or prison, your benefits can be reinstated starting the month following the month you are released. For example, if you are released in May, your benefits could start again in June. Note that the benefits your spouse or children receive will continue as long as they remain eligible.
SSI:
If you receive SSI, your benefits will be suspended for the duration of your imprisonment. Your payments can resume the month after your release. Unlike Social Security benefits, the money you receive that month would be a partial payment, depending on your release date.
