Applying for and obtaining Social Security benefits can be a cumbersome process. On average, it takes up to 8 months for the Social Security Administration to approve benefits when an applicant applies for them, be it Social Security retirement, Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI), or supplemental security income. It is important to make sure that all the requirements are met, and the regulations are followed to the letter so that the SSA does not revoke your benefits.
There are ways to cause one to lose their Social Security benefits, such as having spent time in jail, changing jobs, or even divorce. Stay with us in the text below to learn how to safeguard your social security insurance and how to avoid losing these benefits in the present or the future.
You may be wondering: “if I make too much money, can I lose social security benefits?” Yes, it is possible that that will happen. Social Security benefits may be lost if income exceeds certain limits set by the Social Security Administration. This is because the insurance is designed to provide financial support to those who have limited income or are unable to work due to their age, disability or other circumstances.
Don’t Lose Your Social Security Income: The Dos and Don’ts
When the individual’s income exceeds certain established limits, the SSA has the authority to reduce or suspend benefits in order to comply with the program regulations and distribute the funds equitably and fairly.
The Supplementary Security Income can also be lost in certain circumstances, even if it has been granted to you recently or a long time ago. This program provides financial support to people with low income or limited resources who are blind, disabled, or over the age of 65. This insurance can be lost for various reasons, such as changes in income or resources that exceed the allowed limits, changes in marital status or family situation, or failure to comply with the periodic medical check-ups required to prove eligibility.
In addition, getting a new job could lead to the termination of benefits, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It all depends on how much money you are making. Generally, people who earn $1,971 or less a month are still eligible; exceeding that amount makes them no longer qualify.
Can I Lose Social Security Disability Insurance?
In theory, SSDI beneficiaries can return to work for up to 9 months without losing benefits, as these are designed to accompany the individual on his return to work so that they do not lose income and maintain some economic stability; this is considered as a 9-month trial work period. If after that time the individual earns at least $1,550 or more per month, the SSA considers his work activity to be substantial and suspends him. If that happens, your benefits will be suspended for the 9 months that your earnings exceed that substantial amount.
Conversely, if earnings fall below the substantial amount during that 36-month period, benefits may eventually be restored. These allowances will definitely end if the earnings exceed a substantial amount after the 36-month entitlement recovery period ends.
Being in jail or prison for more than 30 days is also a cause for losing Social Security benefits. Once you are released from prison, you will not automatically be eligible for benefits again. If you receive Social Security and your benefits have been suspended because you have been in jail or prison, benefits can be reinstated starting the month following the month of release. Your family members will not be affected at any time; the benefits your spouse or children receive will continue as long as they remain eligible.
If you receive Social Security when you land in prison, your benefits will be suspended for the time you are in prison. Your payments will start to be sent again the month of the release. In case of divorce, if you have recently divorced or that is going to happen soon, there are SSA policies that will prevent you from receiving your ex-spouse’s social security retirement benefits.
One of these provisions is not having been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you are now married to someone else, you will no longer be able to collect benefits from your ex-spouse. This changes if your current marriage ends by annulment, divorce, or death.