If you receive Social security, Starting in 2025, your payments may increase to compensate for inflation. But while the increase is covered by the annual Adjustment to the cost of living, That payment is not guaranteed for anyone currently receiving it. About 70,000 welfare recipients lose their benefits each year, according to a June 8 NPR report.
Recipient of SSocial Security, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)) can lose their entitlements under certain circumstances, some of which are beyond their control. In some cases, such as if you have a higher income, it may even be advantageous to give up entitlements in order to earn more. The specific type of benefits you receive is also important, as different rules apply to each benefit.
Here’s how you could potentially lose your eligibility for Social Security benefits.
You increase your earnings
When you start earn more money, This could affect your monthly Social Security benefits. Here’s what you need to know about each type of benefit:
SSI
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), starting a job could potentially end your SSI benefits, depending on your income. SSI is generally available to people who earn $1,971 or less per month. If you earn more than that amount, you are ineligible for benefits. Additionally, if you work, your payment will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn. For 2024, the maximum monthly amount is $943 for a single person or $1,415 for a couple.
SSDI
Because disabilities are so unpredictable and can affect people far beyond what they expected, the SSA’s nine-month trial period allows SSDI recipients to return to work for up to nine months without losing their benefits. If you earn $1,550 or more per month after that time, the SSA considers it substantial work and your benefits will be suspended for each month you earn above that threshold during the 36-month re-eligibility period after the trial period. If your income falls below the substantial work amount during that 36-month period, your benefits may resume. After the 36-month re-eligibility period, your benefits will end if your income continues to be above the substantial work amount.
Imprisonment
If you are detained for more than 30 days, social security And SSI Advantages may be suspended and you may have to reapply for benefits after your discharge. The process is slightly different for each type of benefit:
Social Security/SSDI
If youSocial Security Advantages suspended due to imprisonment, they can be reinstated from the month following your release. For example, if you are released in May, Advantages could resume in June. These are your benefits only; benefits for your spouse or children will continue as long as they are eligible.
SSI
While you are in prison, SSI benefits are suspended. Payments may resume the month you are released, but the first payment will be prorated based on your release date. However, if your incarceration exceeds 12 consecutive months, your SSI benefits will stop. You will need to contact the SSA after your release to submit a new application.
divorce
divorce can also affect your Social security benefitsespecially if you received benefits based on your former spouse’s records. You will no longer be entitled to these benefits if
– You were not married to your former spouse for at least 10 years.
– You have remarried, unless your current marriage ended in annulment, divorce, or death.
– You are entitled to benefits under your own health insurance that are higher than the benefits you would receive under your former spouse’s health insurance.
For more information, see the Social Security Guide to your benefits.
