Eligibility can change after you receive approval for disability benefits. That is why the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a list of reporting responsibilities, and it is up to recipients to provide this information as needed.
Understanding these obligations is crucial to receiving an accurate amount of benefits. Here are a few things you must report to the SSA, as well as what can happen if you do not.
Income
Tell the SSA if you or your spouse’s income has changed. Income includes wages as well as other financial resources. Changes in living expenses also require reporting, as does financial assistance from other family members.
Living arrangements
Changes of address require reporting to the SSA. This is because the amount of benefits you receive is partially dependent on where you live, whether that is a home, apartment, or nursing facility. Your living situation has a direct impact on your finances.
Disability status and employment
Medical changes can affect your disability status, which is a key factor in receiving benefits. For example, an improvement in your medical status requires immediate reporting. Also, report any work stoppages, changes in how much you earn, or changes to how many hours you work.
Failure to report can have a number of poor outcomes. You might not receive the right amount of benefits. You might receive too many benefits and have to pay them back. In the event the SSA believes you provided misleading information, benefits are withheld.
Report changes as soon as you become aware of them. You have until ten days after the end of the month when the change took place.
