Cessation Decision

If the SSA determines that a claimant is still disabled, he/she will receive a notice that confirms "We find that you are still disabled," and will continue to receive benefits without interruption.

If SSA determines that a claimant is no longer disabled, he/she will receive a notice that states, "We find that you are no longer disabled according to our rules," and a warning that benefits are about to stop. The claimant has several choices:

• Accept the cessation decision.
• Ask for a continuation of benefits while they're deciding whether to appeal (time to consult a lawyer, for instance).
• Appeal the underlying cessation decision, without asking for continuation of benefits (some people don't want to take benefits they may have to repay if they lose their appeal).
• Appeal the underlying decision and ask for continuation of benefits during the appeal.

Many advocates argue that it makes sense for most claimants to request continuation, even though they suspect that they may not ultimately be entitled to the benefits. The rationale here is that the system can bear overpayment better than the newly non- disabled person can bear a sudden loss of benefits. Individual claimants must consider their own circumstances in deciding what to do.