Every year, more than 70,000 people are deprived of their Social Security benefits, an action that is not whimsical or arbitrary, but is the consequence of having done something that is not permitted by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
This number is alarming because these are beneficiaries who lose a significant portion of their income, reflecting a complex reality for those who depend on Social Security payments to make ends meet and cover all their living expenses.
Yes, You Can Lose Social Security Benefits
There are several factors that can lead to the loss of Social Security benefits, and some of them are beyond the beneficiary’s control. It’s crucial to understand how certain life changes can affect these payments, whether you receive Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Below are the circumstances that may lead to your benefits being revoked.
One of the main reasons you could lose your benefits is an increase in your income. If you get a new job, this could negatively impact the amount of Social Security money you receive each month.
You Could Also Stop Receiving Your SSI Benefits
For SSI recipients, getting a job may mean the SSA immediately decides to end benefits, depending on how much money they earn.
SSI eligibility applies to people with monthly income of $1,971 or less. If you exceed this figure, you will no longer qualify for benefits and will no longer receive payments. Plus, for every $2 you earn, $1 will be deducted from your monthly payment. For 2024, the maximum monthly amount is $943 for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.
Your SSDI Payments Could Stop if This Happens
SSDI recipients have the ability to work for up to nine months without losing their benefits, known as the SSA nine-month trial period. However, if after this period your income reaches $1,550 or more monthly, the SSA will consider this activity to be substantially profitable, which will result in the suspension of benefits during the 36-month recovery period.
If your income falls below the substantial amount during those 36 months, your benefits could be restored. However, if you exceed the substantial amount after that period, the benefits will be terminated.
If You Go to Prison, You Could Lose More Than Your Freedom
Being in prison or jail for more than 30 days can result in the suspension of your Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Once released, you will not automatically receive your benefits again.
In the case of Social Security or SSDI benefits, if they were suspended due to a prison sentence, they can be restored one month after being released. For example, if you are released in August, your benefits could resume in September. The benefits received by your spouses or children will not be interrupted during your time in prison.
In the case of SSI, benefits are suspended during the time you are in prison. Once released, payments can resume the same month as your release, although the amount will be partial, depending on the release date. However, if the sentence exceeds 12 consecutive months, your SSI benefits will be canceled and you will have to submit a new application once you are released.
A Divorce Could Also Affect Your Social Security Benefits
Recently getting divorced or planning a divorce can also affect your former spouse’s Social Security benefits. Some specific provisions may prevent you from continuing to receive these benefits:
- If you were not married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years.
- If you have remarried and therefore can no longer collect benefits from your ex-spouse. This changes if your current marriage ends due to annulment, divorce, or death.
- If you are entitled to receive benefits in your own name and the amount is greater than that of your ex-spouse.
