If you have finally started to receive Social Security disability benefits, that’s a big victory. It’s sometimes quite difficult to prove a disability and to be granted monthly benefits. However, you should know that disability benefits are not necessarily yours permanently. Your disability benefits – and your rights – periodically will have to be defended.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) regularly reviews the case of every disability recipient. Those working, or those determined to be healthy enough to return to work, can lose their assistance as the result of one of these reviews. Should your benefits be cut off, hiring the services of a good disability lawyer is your best practical hope for having your aids reinstated.
SSA typically reviews disability cases every three to seven years; benefit recipients who are expected to improve are examined more frequently. As part of the review process, some recipients may be asked to undergo medical examinations conducted by SSA doctors. If the SSA determines that you are now healthy enough to work, an experienced disability attorney will fight to have your benefits returned, and he or she may even be able to keep your aids coming to you throughout the sometimes-lengthy appeal process. Minors who receive benefits have reviews conducted when they turn 18. A newborn who is receiving SSI benefits due to a low birth-weight will reviewed by a physician prior to his or her first birthday.
If your disability benefits are threatened, or especially if you’ve already lost your disability benefits, speak as quickly as possible to an experienced disability attorney. A good disability lawyer will defend your legal rights; fight to have your benefits reinstated; help you compile whatever evidence and witnesses you need; negotiate and argue your case; and work to expedite the process so that your benefits resume as quickly as possible.