You Receive Disability: Understanding Your Rights, Responsibilities, and How to Protect Your Benefits

Receiving disability benefits can be a lifeline when injury, illness, or chronic health conditions prevent you from working. These benefits—whether through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or private long-term disability insurance—help cover essential living costs, medical expenses, and support your financial independence during a challenging time.

However, navigating disability benefits isn’t always straightforward. From understanding your eligibility and responsibilities to knowing how to handle changes in your condition or income, there’s a lot to keep track of. Making a misstep—even accidentally—can result in delays, reductions, or even termination of benefits.

If you’re currently receiving disability benefits or have recently qualified, here’s a complete guide to understanding your rights, avoiding common pitfalls, and protecting your benefits long-term.

Step 1: Know Which Disability Program You’re In

Different programs have different rules and protections. Understanding the source of your benefits is the foundation of managing them properly.

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• For individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes (FICA)
• Based on your work history and earnings record
• May also provide benefits to dependents

2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• For people with limited income and resources
• Funded by general tax revenues, not payroll taxes
• Includes strict income and asset limits

3. Private or Employer-Sponsored Disability Insurance

• Purchased individually or offered through your employer
• Can provide short-term or long-term disability payments
• Contract terms vary widely—read the fine print

Knowing which program you’re in helps you stay compliant and respond properly if your condition or situation changes.

Step 2: Understand Your Benefit Amount and Payment Schedule

When your disability claim is approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Award outlining:

• Monthly payment amount
• When payments begin (typically after a waiting period)
• When your claim will be reviewed again
• Information about potential back pay or retroactive benefits

For SSDI recipients, benefits are usually paid monthly, and you may be eligible for Medicare after 24 months. For SSI recipients, Medicaid typically starts right away.

Keep these documents in a safe place. You’ll need them if your benefits are ever challenged or adjusted.

Step 3: Report Any Changes Promptly

Failing to report certain life changes could result in an overpayment, suspension, or termination of your benefits.

You must notify your disability program if you:

• Start earning income (even part-time work or self-employment)
• Move to a new address
• Get married or divorced
• Receive an inheritance or financial windfall
• See a change in your medical condition
• Are hospitalized for an extended time
• Are incarcerated or institutionalized

For SSDI, some work activity is permitted under the Trial Work Period program. For SSI, any income or asset increase must be reported immediately.

If you’re unsure whether something affects your eligibility, ask before acting.

Step 4: Know Your Right to Work (Yes, You Can in Many Cases)

Many people wrongly believe that receiving disability benefits means you can never work again. But that’s not true.

SSDI: Trial Work Period (TWP)

• Lets you test your ability to work for up to 9 months without losing benefits
• A month counts as a trial month if earnings exceed a threshold ($1,110 in 2024)
• After 9 trial months, there’s an Extended Period of Eligibility for 36 months, where benefits may stop or resume depending on your income

SSI: Limited Work Allowed

• Income directly affects your benefit amount
• The first $65 of earned income (and half of anything over that) is excluded
• Exceeding income or asset limits could stop benefits

Always report work activity, track your income, and ask for help with work incentive programs if needed.

Step 5: Prepare for Periodic Disability Reviews

Whether you’re on SSDI or SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will conduct Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to ensure you still qualify.

• Reviews typically happen every 3 to 7 years, depending on your condition
• You’ll be asked to submit medical records, treatment information, and daily living updates
• If SSA believes you’ve improved enough to return to work, they may discontinue your benefits

To prepare:

• Keep regular doctor’s appointments
• Maintain up-to-date medical records
• Save documentation that shows how your condition affects your daily life
• Be honest and thorough when completing review forms

Private disability insurers may also conduct reviews—check your policy for requirements.

Step 6: Manage Your Finances Wisely

Disability income can be modest, and many recipients face budget constraints. Careful financial planning is essential.

Create a Realistic Budget

• Account for rent, food, utilities, transportation, and medical costs
• Include irregular expenses like prescriptions, clothing, or co-pays

Understand How Other Income Affects Benefits

• Working part-time? Know your earnings limit
• Receiving spousal support, child support, or unemployment? Check whether it counts as income

SSI: Be Careful With Assets

• Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples (excluding home, car, burial plot)
• Consider a Special Needs Trust or ABLE account to preserve eligibility while saving money

Step 7: Be Wary of Overpayments

Sometimes SSA or insurers continue paying when they shouldn’t—due to late reporting or system errors. If this happens, you may receive a demand for repayment, even if the mistake wasn’t your fault.

If you receive an overpayment notice:

• Don’t ignore it—contact the SSA or insurance company right away
• Ask for a reconsideration or file a waiver request if repaying causes financial hardship
• Consider getting legal or advocacy assistance

The worst thing you can do is delay. Acting fast increases the chance of reducing or avoiding repayment.

Step 8: Know Where to Get Help

There are resources available to help you protect your rights and understand your obligations:

• Social Security Administration: ssa.gov
• National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR): Find a qualified disability attorney
• Local legal aid organizations: Offer free or low-cost help for low-income individuals
• Disability Rights Advocacy Groups: Such as Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) or your state’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency
• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Programs: Help SSDI/SSI recipients who want to return to work

Final Thoughts

Receiving disability benefits offers financial stability and access to health care during one of life’s most challenging periods. But these benefits come with rules, responsibilities, and frequent updates—ignoring them can jeopardize your livelihood.

Stay informed, organized, and proactive. Understand how your benefits work, keep good records, and never hesitate to ask for help when things get confusing.

With the right information and support, you can maintain your benefits, assert your rights, and live with greater independence and peace of mind.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.