You can stop receiving SSDI at any time by notifying Social Security in writing

If you want to stop receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you do not need permission from Social Security. You can end your benefits yourself by submitting a written request to your local Social Security office. The process is straightforward: Social Security will stop your payments once they receive and process your request, usually within one to two months.

People stop SSDI for different reasons. You may have returned to work and no longer need the payments. You may have found other income sources. You may be moving to a different country. You may straightforward want to stop the benefits. Whatever your reason, you have the right to end your benefits voluntarily.

The key difference between voluntary termination and a medical review termination is that you are in control. When you request termination yourself, Social Security does not review your medical condition or work activity. They straightforward process your request and stop sending payments.

Key Takeaways

  • You can end SSDI by submitting a written request to your local Social Security office; no medical review or approval is required.
  • Your benefits stop one to two months after Social Security receives your termination request, so plan ahead if you depend on the final payment.
  • If you return to work and your earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity limit, Social Security may terminate your benefits automatically without your request.
  • You can restart SSDI within five years of voluntary termination without a new process, though you must meet current medical and work requirements.
  • If you are unsure whether to stop SSDI, contact a work incentives planning and information (WIPA) project before submitting a termination request.

How to submit a written termination request

Visit your local Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a termination form. Ask for the Statement Regarding Withdrawal of process or Cessation of Benefits (Form SSA-521). You can also read this form from ssa.gov if you prefer to fill it out at home before visiting the office.

Complete the form with your name, Social Security number, and the date you want your benefits to stop. You do not need to explain why you are stopping. Sign and date the form, then submit it in person at your local office or mail it to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy for your records.

Social Security will send you a written confirmation once they process your request. This confirmation will state the date your benefits end and the date of your final payment. If you do not receive confirmation within 30 days, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm that your request was received.

What happens to your Medicare and Medicaid coverage

Stopping SSDI does not automatically stop your Medicare or Medicaid. These programs have separate rules. If you are receiving Medicare because of your SSDI status, your coverage may continue for a limited time after your benefits end, depending on your age and how long you have been on Medicare.

Contact your state Medicaid office before you stop SSDI. Medicaid rules vary by state. In some states, you lose Medicaid when SSDI ends. In others, you may stay on Medicaid if your income remains low enough. Your local Medicaid office can tell you exactly what will happen to your coverage in your state.

If you are losing Medicaid coverage, you may be able to buy private health insurance through the Healthcare.gov marketplace. You may also may have access to for a special enrollment period that lets you sign up outside the normal enrollment window.

Restarting SSDI after voluntary termination

If you stop SSDI voluntarily and later want to restart it, you have a five-year window to do so without filing a new process. During this five-year period, you can contact Social Security and ask to have your benefits reinstated. Social Security will review your current medical condition and work activity to decide whether you still meet the disability requirements.

After five years have passed, you must file a new SSDI process. This means Social Security will treat your case as if you are explore for the first time. You will need to submit current medical records, work history, and other supporting documents. The review process takes the same amount of time as an initial process, typically three to six months.

If you are thinking about stopping SSDI but might need it again, talk to a work incentives planning and information (WIPA) project before you submit your termination request. WIPA projects are free services that help people understand how work and other income affect their benefits. They can help you explore whether you should stop completely or use a work incentive program instead.

The difference between voluntary termination and automatic termination

Voluntary termination happens when you request it. Automatic termination happens when Social Security ends your benefits without your request, usually because your medical condition has improved or your work activity and earnings have exceeded the limits Social Security sets.

If your earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit—currently $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals—Social Security may terminate your benefits automatically. These dollar amounts change each year. If you are working and earning close to these limits, Social Security will send you a notice before they terminate your benefits, giving you a chance to respond.

If Social Security terminates your benefits automatically and you disagree with their decision, you have the right to appeal. You can request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the termination notice. If you voluntarily stop your benefits, there is nothing to appeal—you made the choice yourself.

Planning your final payment and budget

Your final SSDI payment arrives one to two months after Social Security processes your termination request. The exact timing depends on how quickly your local office processes the form and when your payment cycle occurs. Plan your budget assuming your last payment will arrive in two months, not one.

If you are stopping SSDI because you have returned to work, make sure your new job's income will cover your expenses during the gap between your last SSDI payment and your first paycheck. If there is a timing mismatch, you may want to delay your termination request until your work income is steady.

If you receive other benefits tied to SSDI—such as benefits for a spouse or child—stopping your own SSDI may affect their payments. Contact Social Security before you submit your termination request to understand how your decision affects your family members' benefits.

Work incentive programs as an alternative to stopping SSDI

Before you stop SSDI completely, consider whether a work incentive program might let you keep some benefits while you work. These programs are designed to help people transition from full-time disability benefits to part-time or full-time work without losing all their income support.

The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without affecting your SSDI benefits. The Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) program lets you deduct certain work-related costs from your earnings before Social Security calculates whether you have exceeded the SGA limit. The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) lets students under 22 exclude some or all of their work earnings.

A WIPA project can walk you through these options at no cost. They can help you decide whether stopping SSDI completely or using a work incentive program makes more sense for your situation. To find a WIPA project near you, visit askjan.org or call 1-800-526-7234.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop SSDI for a few months and then restart it?

Yes, within five years of stopping SSDI, you can ask Social Security to reinstate your benefits without filing a new process. Social Security will review your current medical condition and work activity. After five years, you must file a new process. Contact your local Social Security office to discuss reinstatement options before you stop.

What if I stop SSDI but then realize I made a mistake?

If you change your mind shortly after submitting your termination request, contact your local Social Security office when ready. If they have not yet processed your request, you may be able to withdraw it. If your benefits have already stopped, you can request reinstatement within five years without a new process.

Do I have to tell my employer or doctor that I am stopping SSDI?

No. Stopping SSDI is between you and Social Security. You do not need to notify your employer or doctor. However, if you are stopping because you have returned to work, it may be helpful to discuss this with your doctor to make sure your work activity is safe for your condition.

Will stopping SSDI affect my credit score or taxes?

Stopping SSDI does not affect your credit score. SSDI is not a loan, so there is nothing to repay. You may owe taxes on the SSDI income you received in the year you stop, depending on your total income. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

What happens if I stop SSDI and then become disabled again?

If you stop SSDI and later become unable to work due to a medical condition, you can request reinstatement within five years without a new process. After five years, you must file a new SSDI process and go through the full review process again.