Can the SSA Terminate My Benefits?

The Social Security Administration, or SSA, is the government entity that oversees the Social Security program (SSI), including how it dispenses funds and how all of the day-to-day logistics are handled. It also is the administration that determines who is eligible to receive benefits or not. Obviously, they have the full ability to accept or reject any applications at the time of their submission, but does the SSA have the legal right to terminate one’s benefits?

It may seem like an unfair practice, but yes, the SSA can terminate one’s SSI benefits and can do so for a number of different reasons. One of the most common reasons for the termination of benefits is that the person receiving benefits has seen an increase in overall income and therefore no longer meets the requirements for having a low enough income. This is primarily due to the fact that the SSI program is needs-based. Another common reason for termination is the working of too many hours, again violates the primary objective of the program. Rarely, the individual will see enough medical improvement to no longer be considered disabled, but those instances are far and few between.

Whatever the circumstances may call for, the SSI must provide you with a reason any time that they terminate your benefits. This is fortunate, as it gives you a strategy for gaining your benefits back if you choose to try. You can always appeal the termination of benefits, so if you feel like they were unjustly taken away from you, you have the opportunity to fight.

If you choose to pursue this route, we at the Franco Law Firm are here to help. We’ve helped many people across Tampa Bay and beyond appeal and win the SSI benefits that they need, and we would be happy to do the same for you as well. To schedule a free consultation with us today, please call (813) 872-0929.