Reasons for Cessation of Benefits

Financial changes are a common non-medical factor in a cessation decision. Such changes—which include receipt of a personal injury settlement or inheritance, changes in marital status or living situation, and changes in academic or work status—can affect eligibility for benefits. Though some changes in a claimant's financial situation can be protected by special trusts, all changes should be reported.

Depending on the type of benefits, claimants may be terminated, reduced, or changed when:

• They get married and their household income changes.
• They turn 18.
• They stop going to school full-time.
• They gain or lose a child.
• Their sheltered workshop job evolves into a job in the competitive workforce, without subsidies, coaches, or other supports.

Medically, the most likely reason for a cessation decision is that the claimant has recovered or is working enough that the SSA no longer considers them disabled. However, it is possible to attempt a return to work under the SSA's Back to Work program without immediately losing benefits.