What Not to Do While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits

Can You Lose Your SSI or SSDI Benefits? Here’s What to Avoid Once You’re Approved

Winning Social Security Disability benefits can be a long, hard-fought battle. Once you’re approved, it’s important to make sure you follow the guidelines so you can keep them. 

Losing disability benefits is possible even after you start receiving them. While some of the ways people lose benefits are out of their control, like medical improvement, others can be avoided. Some of the most common reasons benefits stop include:

• Improvement of your medical condition
• Returning to a certain level of work
• Failing to cooperate with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

While it is possible to “lose” your benefits, it doesn’t need to be a point of anxiety. The Iowa Social Security Disability attorneys at Schott Mauss & Associates focus on helping Iowans win the benefits they deserve, keep them once they receive them, and transition smoothly when they conclude. 

Here’s a guide to seven things not to do while you’re on Social Security Disability — and what to do instead. 

1. Don’t Stop Medical Treatment

The Social Security Administration conducts periodic checks to ensure that those receiving benefits still qualify. These are called “Continuing Disability Reviews” (CDRs). If you stop your treatment even though you still need it, this may be taken as a sign that you have improved.

Do Continue Your Treatment

One of the most important things you can do is be sure that you continue receiving the proper care for your condition. This is important for your overall health and your benefits. Continuing to report the symptoms that qualify you for benefits will help your case when it comes under review. 

2. Don’t Downplay Your Symptoms at Appointments

We know from speaking with our clients that it can be tempting not to tell your doctor everything about your condition. It may feel embarrassing to disclose certain symptoms. Or, you may feel as if you’re complaining when you continue talking about the same pain and limitations at each visit. 

However, if you downplay your symptoms, this means the true severity of your condition won’t be documented. This could hurt your case when a review comes up. 

Do Be Honest About Your Pain & Limitations

We encourage all clients to be completely honest with their doctors about their symptoms. Repeating your difficulties at each appointment isn’t complaining or whining. It’s helping you receive the care and benefits you need. Don’t just describe how you feel on your “best” or ideal day. Let them know what you struggle with, too. 

3. Don’t Return to Work Without a Plan

Many people wonder if it’s possible to work part-time while receiving Social Security Disability benefits. The answer is complex, with many nuances. The SSA limits how much you can earn, and there’s a process to follow to help you ease back into work when you’re ready, known as a trial work period. 

For this reason, taking on part-time or side work without speaking with an attorney first can jeopardize your benefits. 

Do Talk Through Any Work Plans With an Attorney

There are different work guidelines for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). An attorney will help you consider whether working in your current situation is the best option. If it is, they can help you develop a plan to ensure you don’t unnecessarily lose your benefits. 

4. Don’t Ignore Communication From the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration will continue communicating with you even after you win your case. It’s especially important not to ignore a request for a CDR. This could cause you to lose your benefits. 

Do Cooperate With CDRs & Other Requests

If you receive a notice of a review, the best thing you can do is cooperate. This could include attending a one-time checkup requested by the SSA to check on your condition. 

As always, you should contact your Social Security Disability attorney with any questions on how to best comply with these reviews. 

5. Don’t Forget to Report Life Changes

Failing to report a change in your living situation can cause problems down the road. If your eligibility changes, it may result in overpayment of benefits. This could mean you have to pay back benefits at a later date. 

Situations where you may need to report changes include: 

• If you start working or receiving other income
• If you get married or have a child
• If your address changes (such as a move to another state)
• If your phone number changes

Do Report All Changes to the Social Security Administration

The best rule of thumb is to report any major life change to the SSA. Work with your attorney if you are unsure whether you need to report a change. There are different reporting requirements for SSDI and SSI recipients that an attorney can help you navigate. 

Another important note: You are not eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits if you are incarcerated for a certain length of time. If you do serve jail time, you may need to inform the SSA to avoid overpayment of benefits. 

6. Don’t Rely Only on Advice From the SSA District Office

Your local Social Security office can be a helpful resource for gaining information about your benefits. However, while the staff at these offices can provide you with facts, we advise against looking to them for advice about your case. 

That’s because Social Security Administration office staff are not attorneys. This means they are not advocates for you, even if they’re trying to help. At times, we have seen clients come away from these conversations with incorrect information.

Do Consult With an Attorney for Expert Advice

Nothing compares to having an attorney who is 100% in your corner. If you need advice about a decision in your case, that is best found with an experienced attorney who understands the system and is on your side. 

7. Don’t Go It Alone After You’re Approved for Disability Benefits

Once you start receiving benefits, you likely won’t speak with your Social Security Disability attorney as often. It’s possible to forget they are still a resource for questions that may arise as the years go on. 

However, trying to figure out something like how you can return to work or how to navigate a Social Security review can be difficult on your own. 

Do Keep Your Lawyer Informed of Changes

The best way to ensure you are maximizing your benefits is to continue to keep your lawyer updated. If you change your address, if your condition changes, or if your financial situation changes, we can help you walk through these situations. 

Get an Iowa Social Security Disability Expert on Your Side

Do you have questions about your eligibility for benefits or what to do next? It’s never too early to reach out to one of our attorneys. Contact Schott Mauss & Associates today for a free consultation.