Social Security is not a permanent disability program and occasionally a person who was previously receiving Social Security disability benefits may receive notification from Social Security that their benefits will cease because Social Security has done a medical review and found that person is not longer disabled and entitled to benefits.
This is a very upsetting letter to receive from Social Security and it may seem like the end of the world, but it is important to keep a clear head and know what your options are.
Anytime Social Security makes a ruling, either prior to initially being found disabled or deciding that someone was disabled, but no longer is, it does not have to be the final word on the subject. You always reserve the right to appeal that decision.
When Social Security decides that a person receiving benefits is no longer disabled and is able to work it is known as a cessation of benefits case.
Although this type of case is a bit different than an initial disability case, the steps are pretty much the same. Applicants can appeal until they receive a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
At these hearings the time frame in which Social Security determined the claimant to no longer be disabled to the period all the way up until the hearing date, will be focused upon by the ALJ to determine whether the applicant continues to be disabled.
A letter informing benefits will stop is bound to make anyone panic, but it is extremely important to know that as long as you continue to appeal Social Security’s decision and indicate that you want payments to continue within 10 days of the dated letter informing that benefits will stop, Social Security will continue to pay benefits until a decision is made at the hearing level. If you do ask that payments continue while a decision is made at the hearing level you do run the risk of having to payback Social Security if ultimately a favorable decision is not reached. To learn more about how to appeal a cessation determination click here.
