What happens when your disability benefits are about to expire
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) do not end on a fixed date just because you have been receiving them for a certain number of years. However, Social Security conducts continuing disability reviews — periodic checks to confirm you still meet the medical requirements for benefits. If you receive a notice that your case is scheduled for review, or if your benefits are set to stop, you need to take action before the end date on your notice.
California does not have a separate state disability extension process. Your benefits are managed entirely by Social Security, whether you receive SSDI (based on your own work record) or SSI (a needs-based federal program). The steps to keep your benefits are the same whether you live in California or anywhere else.
The most common reason benefits end is that Social Security concludes your medical condition no longer prevents you from working. You can request a review of that decision, but you must do so within a specific timeframe or lose your right to appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security sends a notice before your benefits end; the notice includes a specific date and explains why the agency believes you no longer may have access to.
- You have 10 calendar days from the date on the notice to request that Social Security stop the medical review or reconsider its decision.
- If you miss the 10-day window, you can still file a formal appeal called a Request for Reconsideration, but you lose some procedural protections.
- Submitting medical evidence from your doctor before the review decision is made is the single most important step to keep your benefits active.
- If Social Security denies your request, you can appeal to an administrative law judge, and California has legal aid organizations that help with disability appeals at no cost.
Understanding the notice Social Security sends you
When Social Security schedules a continuing disability review, you will receive a letter titled "We are reviewing your case" or similar language. This notice will include a specific date by which you must return requested information — usually 10 to 30 days from the date on the letter. The notice will also explain what type of review is happening: a medical review (they are checking whether your condition still prevents work), a work activity review (they are checking whether you have been working), or both.
Read the notice carefully and note the important date. If the letter says you must respond by a certain date, that is a hard important date. If you do not respond, Social Security may stop your benefits without waiting for you to provide information. The notice will also list what documents or information Social Security wants from you — usually medical records, a report from your doctor, or details about any work you have done.
If the notice says your benefits will end on a specific date (for example, "Your benefits will end on June 30, 2025"), that date is not final until Social Security completes the review. You can still prevent the termination by responding to the review request and providing evidence that you still cannot work.
Requesting that Social Security stop the review within 10 days
Federal law gives you 10 calendar days from the date on the notice to ask Social Security to stop the medical review altogether. This option is available only if you have been receiving benefits for at least 18 months and you are not currently working. If you meet these conditions and you want to stop the review, you must contact Social Security in writing or in person within those 10 days.
To request that the review be stopped, call the Social Security local office serving your area or visit ssa.gov to find the office nearest you. You can also call the national Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213. Tell them you received a notice of continuing disability review and you want to request that the review be stopped under the 10-day rule. Social Security will document your request and send you a confirmation letter.
If you request that the review be stopped, your benefits will continue without interruption. However, Social Security can conduct another review later — usually not sooner than 12 months. This option is useful only if you are certain your condition has not improved and you do not want to go through the review process.
Submitting medical evidence to keep your benefits active
If you do not request that the review be stopped, you must respond to Social Security's request for information. The most important step is to obtain a detailed written statement from your doctor or medical provider describing your current condition, your limitations, and why you cannot work. This statement should be specific: instead of "patient has back pain," it should say something like "patient has chronic lumbar pain with nerve involvement, cannot sit for more than 30 minutes at a time, and cannot lift more than 10 pounds."
Gather any medical records from the past 12 months, including test results, imaging reports, therapy notes, and medication lists. If you see multiple doctors, ask each one to submit a statement. Social Security weighs evidence from your treating physicians heavily — a statement from the doctor who sees you regularly carries more weight than a one-time evaluation.
Submit all medical evidence to Social Security before the important date on the notice. You can mail it to the local Social Security office, upload it through your my Social Security account online, or bring it in person. Keep copies of everything you send. If you mail documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof Social Security received them.
What to do if Social Security denies your request
If Social Security reviews your case and concludes your condition no longer prevents you from working, they will send you a notice of decision. This notice will explain their reasoning and will tell you that your benefits will end on a specific date — usually 30 to 60 days after the notice is dated. The notice will also explain your right to appeal.
You have 60 calendar days from the date on the notice to file a Request for Reconsideration. This is a formal appeal asking Social Security to review the decision again. To file, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. You can also file online through your my Social Security account. When you request reconsideration, your benefits will usually continue while the appeal is being decided — you do not lose income while waiting.
At the reconsideration stage, submit any new medical evidence that has developed since the initial review. If your condition has worsened, if you have had new test results, or if you have started a new treatment, include that information. If your doctor disagrees with Social Security's conclusion, ask them to write a detailed letter explaining why they believe you still cannot work.
Appealing to an administrative law judge
If Social Security denies your Request for Reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). You have 60 calendar days from the date of the reconsideration decision to request a hearing. At a hearing, you can present evidence, your doctor can testify (usually by phone), and you can explain to the judge why you believe you still cannot work.
You do not need a lawyer to request a hearing, but having one significantly increases the chance of winning. California has several organizations that provide free legal help with disability appeals: the Disability Rights California office, local legal aid societies, and some nonprofit law firms. You can find a legal aid provider near you by calling 211 or visiting lawhelp.org.
If you hire a lawyer or representative, they are paid only if you win — Social Security pays them directly from your back pay, up to a maximum of 25 percent of the amount owed. You do not pay anything out of pocket.
Continuing to receive benefits while your appeal is pending
When you file a Request for Reconsideration or request a hearing, your benefits usually continue while Social Security or the judge reviews your case. This is called payment pending appeal. However, if you eventually lose your appeal, Social Security may ask you to repay the benefits you received during the appeal period. This is called an overpayment.
If Social Security determines you owe an overpayment, you can request a waiver — a decision to forgive the debt. To request a waiver, you must show that you were not at fault for the overpayment (for example, Social Security made an error, not you) or that repaying the money would cause you financial hardship. You have 60 days from the overpayment notice to request a waiver. If you cannot afford to repay, you can also ask Social Security to set up a payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work part-time and still keep my disability benefits?
Yes, but there are limits. SSDI allows you to earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024; this amount changes yearly) without losing benefits. SSI has a lower limit of $65 per month plus half of earnings above that. If you work, you must report your earnings to Social Security. Working above these limits may trigger a work activity review and could lead to benefits ending.
What if I disagree with the doctor Social Security hired to review my case?
You can submit a statement from your own doctor explaining why you disagree with the Social Security doctor's findings. Social Security weighs evidence from your treating physician — the doctor who knows your condition — more heavily than a one-time evaluation. Include specific details about your limitations and why the Social Security evaluation did not accurately reflect your condition.
How long does a continuing disability review usually take?
The initial review typically takes 30 to 90 days from the time you submit your medical evidence. If you request reconsideration, that stage usually takes 60 to 120 days. A hearing before an administrative law judge can take 6 to 18 months, depending on the judge's caseload in your area.
What if I cannot find my original Social Security approval letter?
You do not need the original letter. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office and ask for a copy of your case file. They will provide you with records of your approval and any prior reviews. You can also view your case information through your my Social Security account online.
Does California offer any additional disability benefits beyond SSDI and SSI?
California does not have a separate state disability extension program. However, if you lose SSDI or SSI, you may be able to receive other information through California's CalWORKs program (cash aid for families) or other state programs. Contact your county social services office to learn what other programs you might be able to access.