Step 1: Understand the Medical Improvement Review

SSA periodically evaluates your condition to decide if benefits should continue based on:

• Medical improvement that shows better health or increased ability to work.
• Changes in your functional capacity as documented by medical evidence.
• Updated assessments from your treating physicians or specialists.

Step 2: Know the Trial Work Period Rules

Texas SSDI recipients may test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits by:

• Engaging in work activity during a trial work period allowing earnings while still receiving benefits.
• Reporting earnings accurately to SSA to avoid overpayments.
• Understanding that after the trial period, benefits might stop if you can earn above certain thresholds.

Step 3: Recognize Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

Benefits could cease if you perform work above the SGA limits, which includes:

• Earning more than the SSA’s monthly earnings limit that signals ability to work.
• Demonstrating your disability no longer prevents gainful employment.
• Providing complete and truthful reports about your work status.

Step 4: Prepare for Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)

SSA conducts CDRs to ensure ongoing eligibility by:

• Evaluating your updated medical records and tests.
• Requesting additional information to confirm your health status.
• Notifying you in advance and allowing you to provide evidence supporting continued disability.

Common Reasons for Benefit Termination

Be aware of factors that often lead to loss of benefits:

• Improved medical condition with less severe symptoms.
• Ability to perform substantial gainful activity.
• Failure to comply with SSA’s requests during reviews.
• Not reporting changes in earnings or work activity.