Will I Still Get Social Security if I’m Disabled?

If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may wonder whether your benefits will continue after a certain period. Generally, SSDI benefits are intended to be long-term, but there are a few factors that could affect the continuation of your benefits:

• Medical Review: The SSA conducts periodic medical reviews to assess whether you still meet the disability criteria. If your condition improves or if the SSA determines that you can return to work, your benefits may be stopped.
• Work Activity: If you return to work and earn more than a certain income threshold (known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)), your SSDI benefits may be suspended. For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for those who are blind.
• End of Disability: If your disability improves or your condition no longer qualifies for SSDI benefits, the SSA may stop your payments.

If you continue to be disabled and unable to work, you should still be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. If you’re concerned about losing benefits, you can request a continuing disability review to ensure your case remains active.

Will I Still Get Social Security if I’ve Reached Retirement Age?

If you’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits, reaching full retirement age (FRA) doesn’t stop your payments. In fact, once you reach FRA, you are no longer subject to the earnings limit that applies to younger workers. Here's what happens when you reach retirement age:

• Full Retirement Age (FRA): For individuals born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67. Once you reach this age, you will receive full Social Security retirement benefits regardless of whether you continue to work.
• Early Retirement: If you choose to take Social Security benefits early (at age 62), your benefits will be reduced, but you will still continue to receive them for the rest of your life.
• Work and Earnings: If you continue working after reaching FRA, your benefits will not be reduced due to your earnings. However, any additional earnings may increase your Social Security benefits due to the delayed retirement credits you’ve earned.

Will I Still Get Social Security if I’m Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your benefits are generally based on financial need and not your work history. SSI payments are subject to income and asset limits. You may lose SSI benefits if:

• Income or Assets Exceed the Limits: If you earn too much income or have too many assets, your SSI benefits may be reduced or terminated. For 2025, the SSI income limit is $1,913 per month for an individual, and the asset limit is $2,000 ($3,000 for couples).
• Changes in Eligibility: If your living situation changes (e.g., you move in with family or receive an inheritance), you may no longer qualify for SSI benefits.

SSI is designed to help those with limited financial means, so it’s essential to keep your income and resources within the eligibility limits to continue receiving benefits.

Will I Still Get Social Security if I’m in Jail or Prison?

If you are receiving Social Security benefits and are incarcerated, your benefits may be suspended:

• SSDI: If you’re in jail for more than 30 consecutive days, your SSDI benefits will be suspended, although they can be reinstated once you're released.
• SSI: Your SSI payments are also suspended if you are in jail or prison. However, if your incarceration is short-term (less than 30 days), your SSI payments may continue, but you must report your time in jail to the SSA.
• Reinstatement After Release: If you’re released from incarceration, you will need to notify the SSA so that your benefits can be reinstated.

What Happens If I Move Out of the U.S.?

If you're receiving Social Security benefits and decide to move outside the U.S., your benefits may still continue, but certain conditions apply:

• SSI: If you move out of the U.S., you may no longer be eligible to receive SSI benefits, as the program is only available to those living in the U.S. or certain U.S. territories.
• SSDI: You can continue to receive SSDI benefits if you move to most countries, but there are some exceptions. You will need to inform the SSA of your move to ensure the continuation of your payments.