What to Do if Your Disability Benefits are Terminated Early: Legal Insights

Receiving disability benefits can be a financial lifeline for those unable to work due to a medical condition. However, many recipients are caught off guard when their benefits are unexpectedly terminated before they are ready or able to return to work. 

If your disability benefits are cut off early, it’s important to take swift action to protect your rights and financial security. Understanding the reasons behind the termination and the legal steps available can help you fight back against unfair benefit denials.

Why Disability Benefits May Be Terminated Early

Disability benefits, whether through Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, or private disability insurance, can be terminated for several reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Medical Improvement: The Social Security Administration or your insurance provider may determine that your condition has improved enough for you to return to work. However, these determinations are often based on flawed medical evaluations or incomplete information.
• Failure to Provide Documentation: Regular medical updates are required to continue receiving benefits. If you fail to submit the requested documents, your benefits may be discontinued.
• Returning to Work: If you begin working and earn above a certain threshold, your benefits may be cut off. However, SSA offers work incentives, such as the Trial Work Period, that allow you to test your ability to work without immediately losing benefits.
• Administrative Errors: Clerical mistakes, misfiled paperwork, or miscommunication between agencies can lead to improper termination of benefits.

Steps to Take If Your Disability Benefits Are Terminated Early

If your disability benefits are unfairly terminated, don’t panic. There are legal steps you can take to challenge the decision and restore your benefits.

Review the Termination Notice

The first step is to carefully read the notice you received. The letter should state the reason for termination and provide information on your rights to appeal. Understanding the specific reason for the cutoff will help you determine the best course of action.

Gather Medical Evidence

If your benefits were terminated due to medical improvement, you need to gather updated medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results that prove you are still disabled. A strong medical file can be critical to reversing the decision.

Request an Appeal Immediately

You have the right to appeal the termination, but strict deadlines apply. For SSDI or SSI, you generally have 60 days from the date you receive the termination notice to request an appeal. In private disability cases, review your insurance policy for deadlines. Filing your appeal as soon as possible can help prevent long delays in getting benefits reinstated.

Seek Legal Assistance from Edelstein Martin & Nelson

Disability law is complex, and having an experienced disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success. A lawyer can help you prepare a strong appeal, represent you in hearings, and fight against unfair denials.

If your disability benefits have been wrongfully terminated, Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP can help. Contact our Philadelphia disability lawyers today at (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free consultation and let us protect your right to the benefits you deserve.