Can I get disability benefits while hospitalized?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/22/2025
Yes, you can receive Social Security Disability benefits while you are hospitalized, but it depends on several factors. Your eligibility and the continuation of your payments depend on whether you're receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the length of your hospital stay, and whether your care is being paid for by a government program.
Let’s break down how hospitalization affects disability benefits and what you need to watch out for.
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SSDI and Hospitalization
SSDI Benefits Generally Continue During Hospital Stays
If you’re receiving SSDI, your benefits will typically continue without interruption while you are hospitalized. SSDI is based on your work history and disability status, not your income or living arrangements, so your payments are not affected by being in a hospital.
Exceptions for Criminal Convictions
If you're receiving SSDI and you are in the hospital due to a criminal conviction, especially in a public institution, your benefits may be suspended after 30 days of confinement.
SSI and Hospitalization
SSI Can Be Reduced or Suspended During Hospitalization
SSI is a needs-based program, and your benefit amount can be reduced or suspended if:
- You're in a Medicaid-funded hospital or nursing facility for more than 30 days
- You’re not responsible for the cost of your care during that stay
In these cases, your SSI may be reduced to $30/month or stopped temporarily until you are discharged.
Couples Receiving SSI
If both spouses are on SSI and one is hospitalized, the reduction may apply only to the person who is in the facility, depending on each individual’s living and financial situation.
What to Do If You’re Hospitalized While Receiving Benefits
Report the Hospital Stay to SSA
It’s important to notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you’re hospitalized, especially if you receive SSI. Not reporting it could lead to overpayment, which you’ll be required to repay later.
Stay in Contact With Your Caseworker
Let your SSA representative or caseworker know how long you expect to be in the hospital. Keep records of admission and discharge dates in case you need to appeal a payment decision.
Reinstating Payments After Discharge
If your benefits were suspended during your hospital stay, payments can be reinstated once you're discharged. Be sure to provide the SSA with discharge documentation as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Special Rules for Children or People in Institutions
If the hospitalized person is a minor
or someone who lives in a public institution for long-term care, there may be different rules. SSA evaluates these cases individually and may apply alternate benefit rules or eligibility criteria.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
Navigating your benefits during or after a hospital stay can be confusing, but Hogan Smith is here to help. We assist clients with:
- Reporting hospitalization to the SSA
- Understanding whether SSDI or SSI will be affected
- Reinstating suspended payments quickly
- Appealing benefit reductions due to medical care situations
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you or a loved one are hospitalized and unsure how it will affect your disability benefits, reach out to Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We'll guide you through the process, handle communications with SSA, and help you protect your income while you recover.
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