In the United States, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to continue working due to a serious medical condition. This monthly benefit allows millions of citizens to maintain some financial stability while facing limitations that directly affect their ability to work.
However, many people are unaware that this benefit is not necessarily permanent. The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts periodic reviews to determine whether the beneficiary’s medical condition persists or whether their situation has improved to the point where they can return to work. If it is determined that the requirements are no longer met, payments may be suspended or terminated.
May 2025 marks an important milestone for some beneficiaries, as the SSA has begun a new cycle of case reviews. And while this is not a widespread suspension, there is a specific group that could stop receiving their check this month if they do not act quickly.
Who could lose their SSDI check in May?
The group most affected this time around is made up of people who have not updated their medical reports or whose medical records show a substantial improvement. In these cases, the SSA may determine that the disability no longer prevents the person from working and therefore suspend the benefit.
Those who have begun to earn income above the limit allowed by the program are also at risk. If a disabled person begins working or receiving payments that exceed a certain monthly threshold, determined each year by the SSA, they may be deemed no longer in need of financial assistance, resulting in the termination of payments.
In addition, it is important to note that SSDI payments are much more complex than Social Security retirement benefits based on age. In this case, there is no fixed, uniform schedule for all beneficiaries. Each case is handled individually, with personalized reviews, specific medical evaluations, and decisions that can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, it is key to understand that the SSDI suspension or reinstatement process is not as predictable as other Social Security programs.
What can be done to regain benefits?
Losing SSDI is not always a permanent situation. There are different ways to request a review or reopening of the case, depending on the reason why you stopped receiving payments. The first option is a formal appeal, which must be initiated within the time frame established by the SSA. In this process, you can submit new medical documentation and request that your situation be reevaluated.
Another possible route is to start a new application from scratch. This usually happens when several months have passed since the suspension, or when there has been a significant change in the applicant’s health status. Although the process can be lengthy, many people manage to regain their benefits if they provide solid medical evidence and meet all the requirements.
In situations where the loss of the check was due to an increase in income, there is also room to explain the context. For example, if the job was temporary or if it was a trial period, you can request a reconsideration so that the SSA can evaluate whether it is appropriate to resume payments without starting the entire process again.
Whatever the reason, the most important thing is to act quickly and not ignore Social Security notifications. Missing deadlines or failing to respond on time can make the situation much more complicated.
Alternatives if you cannot recover SSDI
If disability benefits cannot be reinstated, it is still possible to seek other types of assistance within the federal system. Some people may be eligible for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is aimed at citizens with low incomes and limited resources.
There are also state assistance programs, such as food stamps (SNAP), rental assistance, medical subsidies, or even benefits for family members of people with disabilities.
The important thing is not to sit idly by. Losing SSDI does not mean you are out of options, but it does require you to move quickly and be well informed. The SSA has tools available and advisors who can help you find a solution tailored to your situation.