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Can I lose my Social Security Disability benefits?

If you are unable to work due to a disabling condition, you may be able to receive financial assistance through the Social Security Disability program. However, your benefits hinge on the severity of your condition. This means once you receive approval for SSD benefits, those payments could be terminated if your situation changes.

According to Social Security, one situational change is the disability itself. For example, if you have struggled with blindness but a new surgery gives you sight, then Social Security could decide that you no longer qualify for benefits. The same is true in a situation where the conditions of an illness such as fibromyalgia or depression have improved over a certain period of time without any setbacks. If the improvement is only temporary, it is unlikely that Social Security will decide you are no longer disabled.

The other change is one in your financial circumstances. The average benefit payout from SSD per month for 2015 is $1,090. If you start working and your monthly income is higher than this amount, Social Security could choose to stop paying you disability. However, if you are participating in one of the agency's work programs, than that would not impact your ability to receive benefits.

Getting married often can cause an increase in your income. While your benefits are not in jeopardy if you use your own work record, you could lose your eligibility if you are using an ex-spouse's record, a deceased ex-spouse and you marry before turning a certain age, or you are receiving benefits from your parents as a disabled child. If your situation is the latter and your spouse is also disabled, Social Security may decide that you still qualify. It should be noted that the information on this subject is intended only to educate. It is not legal advice.

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