7 Life Changes That May Impact Your Social Security Disability Benefits

In Episode 137, Calloway County Social Security disability attorney Jeff Roberts explains the critical reporting responsibilities you have after being awarded your benefits. Jeff has almost 34 years of experience handling injury, workers' compensation, and disability claims, Jeff discusses how to protect your benefits from termination or costly overpayment collections by properly reporting major life and financial changes. What You Must Report to Social Security Returning to Work & Trial Work Periods: If you attempt to return to work, you must notify Social Security of your employment and monthly wages. On the SSDI side, the government offers a 9-month trial work period (within a rolling 5-year window) where you can test your ability to work without losing your benefits. If you continue working after this, you enter a 36-month extended evaluation period where your benefits are temporarily paused only in the months you exceed Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels. For 2026, the non-blind SGA monthly limit is $1,690 (and over $2,800 for blind individuals). On the SSI side, any earned income will directly affect and reduce your monthly means-tested benefit. Moving and Relocation: Even if your benefits are set up on direct deposit, you must notify Social Security of any address changes. The postal service's mail forwarding is temporary (typically only lasting a calendar year) and does not update your address in the Social Security system. If the agency mails you a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) or medical authorization form and you fail to respond because you never received it, they can cut off your benefits for non-cooperation. Marital Changes & Life Events: You must report marriages, divorces, and births of new children. For SSI, a change in household income from a spouse affects your eligibility. For SSDI, a minor child or spouse may be eligible to receive auxiliary benefits off of your earnings record. Additionally, if your spouse passes away, notifying the agency is crucial; they will not automatically check to see if you qualify for a higher monthly rate as a surviving spouse, so you must proactively contact them. Workers' Compensation and the ACE Offset Rule: If you are awarded other benefits—especially workers' compensation—you must notify Social Security. Under the Average Current Earnings (ACE) calculation, your combined workers' comp and Social Security disability payments cannot exceed 80% of your pre-disability earnings. If they do, Social Security will reduce your check dollar-for-dollar to stay under that cap. Jeff explains why having one attorney handle both claims is vital, as a skilled attorney can draft "wraparound" settlement language that legally minimizes this offset. The Gold Standard of Documentation: To protect yourself from "overpayment" claims, Jeff strongly advises keeping a meticulous folder of all correspondence. While you can call the office to report changes, you should always follow up with a written letter and keep a copy. If you do call, write down the date, time, and the exact name of the representative you spoke with to protect your eligibility for a financial hardship waiver if the agency later makes a processing error. About the Roberts Law Office The Roberts Law Office represents personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability clients throughout Kentucky, including Murray, Hopkinsville, and Paducah. Jeff Roberts is a solo attorney who prides himself on providing "small town service with big city results". His firm's dedication is reflected in their high volume of 5-star Google Reviews, and when you call during business hours, you will always speak with a live person in the Murray office rather than a distant call center. Contact Information: If you have received a letter from Social Security or need assistance with your active disability or injury claim, contact Jeff for a free initial consultation: 📞 Phone: (270) 753-0053 or Toll-Free: 800-844-5108 🌐 Website: http://www.JeffRobertsLaw.com Connect with us: If you found this episode helpful, please like this video and subscribe for more practical tips on navigating the disability system and protecting your legal rights. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice. Jeff’s principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky. Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson. This is an advertisement. #SocialSecurityDisability #SSDIBenefits #KentuckyLaw #JeffRobertsLaw #DisabilityReporting #TrialWorkPeriod