Can Your SSDI Benefits Be Reduced?
If you are currently receiving or have applied for SSDI benefits, you may be wondering if they can ever be reduced.
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today we’re going to talk about whether SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, can be reduced.
Can SSDI Benefits Be Reduced If You Return to Work?
If you return to work and earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount, your SSDI benefits can be reduced. However, SSDI recipients can participate in a trial work period, during which they are able to earn more than the SGA amount without impacting their benefits.
Once a trial work period is exhausted, however, any earnings that exceed the SGA amount can lead to benefit reduction or termination.
Can SSDI Benefits Be Affected by Other Government Programs?
Yes. If you qualify for other government benefits or workers’ compensation, your SSDI benefits may be offset or reduced to prevent double-dipping.
What Happens if Your Condition Improves?
If the Social Security Administration determines through a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) that your medical condition has improved such that you are no longer disabled and unable to work, your benefits may be discontinued.
Can Marital Status Affect SSDI Benefits?
Marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse can also potentially affect your SSDI benefits—particularly if you are receiving auxiliary benefits based on a spouse’s work record.
SSDI vs. SSI Reductions
Importantly, these factors are different from what may reduce SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, benefits—which are more income- and asset-based.
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