An award letter is not the final word on your benefits
An SSDI award letter tells you that Social Security has approved your claim and states how much you will receive each month. It is not final in the sense that it can change—and it will change if your circumstances change, if Social Security discovers new information about your medical condition, or if you report a change in your work or income. The letter marks the moment Social Security says yes to your claim, but it does not lock your benefits in place forever.
The award letter is your proof that you are may have access to to benefits. You will need it to open a bank account for direct deposit, to show employers or schools, and to explore for other programs like Medicaid or food information. But receiving it does not mean your case is closed or that Social Security will never review your situation again.
Key Takeaways
- An award letter confirms Social Security has approved your claim and states your monthly payment amount, but it is not permanent—your benefits can change if your circumstances do.
- Social Security can reduce or stop your benefits if your medical condition improves, you return to work, or your income changes in certain ways.
- You should report changes to Social Security within 10 days, including work, income, living situation, or changes in your medical treatment.
- The award letter itself does not expire, but the benefits it describes are subject to ongoing review and change.
What the award letter actually says
Your award letter includes your monthly benefit amount, the date your benefits begin, and information about Medicare or Medicaid coverage if you may have access to. It also explains what you must report to Social Security and what will happen if your situation changes. Read the back of the letter carefully—it contains the rules that govern your benefits going forward.
The letter is dated and signed, but that date is not an expiration date. It is the date Social Security mailed the decision. You will keep this letter for your records and use it whenever you need to prove you receive SSDI benefits.
When Social Security can change or stop your benefits
Social Security reviews cases on a schedule that depends on how likely your condition is to improve. If your condition is not expected to improve, reviews may happen every five to seven years. If improvement is possible, reviews happen more often—sometimes every one to three years. During a review, Social Security may ask for updated medical records or may schedule a consultative exam with a doctor they choose.
Your benefits can stop or be reduced if Social Security finds that your medical condition has improved enough that you can work, if you earn too much money from work, or if you fail to report a required change. You will receive a notice before your benefits stop, and you have the right to request a hearing if you disagree with the decision.
You can also voluntarily report that your condition has improved or that you want to try working. Social Security has programs like Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) and Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) that let you work and keep some or all of your benefits while you test your ability to earn.
Changes you must report to Social Security
Report these changes within 10 days: you start or stop working, your earnings change, you move to a different address, you marry or divorce, a family member in your household moves in or out, you become incarcerated, or you receive a workers' compensation settlement or lawsuit award. You must also report if you stop receiving medical treatment or if your doctor says your condition has improved.
You can report changes by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, by visiting your local Social Security office, or by logging into your my Social Security account online. Keep a record of what you reported and when you reported it.
What happens if your medical condition improves
If Social Security determines during a review that your condition has improved and you can now work, they will send you a notice explaining the decision and the date your benefits will end. This is called a cessation notice. You have 10 days to request that Social Security reconsider, and you can ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge if you disagree.
Even if your benefits stop, you may be able to return to work under a trial work period, which lets you earn money for nine months without losing benefits. After the trial work period, there is a 36-month extended may be able to access period during which you can still receive benefits in months when your earnings fall below a certain amount. These programs exist specifically to help people test whether they can work.
What happens if you work and earn money
If you work while receiving SSDI, you must report your earnings to Social Security. The rules are complex because SSDI has multiple work incentive programs designed to let you keep some benefits while you earn. The basic rule is that if you earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level—which changes each year—Social Security will assume you can work and may stop your benefits.
However, you may be able to keep your benefits if you use work incentives like IRWE (which lets you deduct work-related expenses from your earnings) or PASS (which lets you set aside income and resources to reach a work goal). You can also have a nine-month trial work period where you can earn any amount without losing benefits. Contact Social Security's work incentives planning and information (WIPA) project in your state for free help understanding how work affects your specific situation.
Keeping your award letter safe
Store your award letter in a safe place where you can find it quickly. You will need it to prove your SSDI status to employers, schools, landlords, and other programs. If you lose it, you can request a replacement by calling Social Security or visiting your local office. You can also view your award information in your my Social Security account online.
Do not share your award letter with anyone who asks you to pay a fee to help you with benefits or to help you work. Social Security does not charge for services, and scammers sometimes pose as Social Security representatives to steal personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Social Security take away my benefits after I receive the award letter?
Yes, if your medical condition improves, you return to work and earn above the SGA level, or you fail to report a required change. Social Security will send you a notice before stopping benefits, and you can request a hearing to challenge the decision.
How often does Social Security review SSDI cases?
The frequency depends on whether your condition is expected to improve. Cases where improvement is unlikely are reviewed every five to seven years. Cases where improvement is possible are reviewed every one to three years. Social Security will notify you in advance when a review is scheduled.
What if I disagree with the award amount on my letter?
Contact Social Security to ask how the amount was calculated. The amount is based on your work history and earnings record. If you believe there is an error in your record, you can request a correction. You can also request a hearing if you disagree with the decision.
Do I need to renew my award letter?
No, the award letter does not expire and does not need to be renewed. However, Social Security will periodically review your case to confirm you still meet the requirements for benefits. You will receive a notice if anything changes.
What should I do if my circumstances change after I get the award letter?
Report the change to Social Security within 10 days by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local office, or using your my Social Security account. Changes include work, earnings, address, family status, living situation, or changes in your medical treatment or condition.