When you begin receiving Social Security disability benefits in New Jersey, you will most likely continue to unless a medical evaluation shows you are able to work again at a defined income capacity. You need to report certain changes like beginning to work for Social Security to ensure you’re still eligible for disability benefits and avoid trouble with the law.
Continuing disability review
You will go through a continuing disability review periodically to confirm that you are still eligible. How often you go through a review depends on how likely it is for your health to improve.
Reviews happen within six to 18 months after your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) starts if a doctor expects your health issue to improve. In cases of possible medical improvement, Social Security usually evaluates your health every three years. If your medical condition isn’t expected to improve, then your review usually won’t happen until seven years later.
Substantial earnings
When you begin earning “substantial earnings,” you may no longer be eligible for Social Security disability insurance. What income level is substantial may change over the years because of changing economic conditions. In 2021, an income of $1,310 was the cut-off point. If you are blind, the cut-off point is higher at $2,190.
Incarceration and institutionalization
Disability benefits stop when someone goes to prison for committing a crime. Your benefits stop during the period you’re in prison, but you could begin receiving them again once you are out. Conviction of a misdemeanor usually doesn’t cancel your SSDI unless you go to jail for more than one month.
Social security benefits continue as long as you need them, based on a periodic medical evaluation. There are a few other restrictions that you should know, so always read the information that comes with your benefits and ask Social Security any questions you have.
