ARE DISABILITY BENEFITS PERMANENT? WILL THEY EVER STOP?

Social Security disability benefits are paid as long as the beneficiary is disabled.  If there is medical improvement to the point of no longer being disabled and this happens prior to retirement age, then benefits may be terminated.  At full retirement age, disability benefits convert to retirement benefits and will not be terminated.

Social Security often does Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to determine whether a beneficiary is still disabled.  They will look at the medical records to see if substantial medical improvement has taken place since the person was awarded benefits.  Individuals under the age of 50 are more likely to have a review. The nature of their medical impairment also has a lot to do with it.  Some conditions are more likely to improve than others.

Fortunately, people who get SSDI or SSI benefits usually get Medicare or Medicaid to make medical treatment affordable.  Therefore, regular visits to the doctor and treatment may be more likely for persons who have Social Security benefits.  The doctors' records will play a large role in proving that the individual is still disabled so that benefits can continue. So, be sure to keep seeing your doctor and following medical treatment.

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