Social Security 2025 – How to Reinstate Your Disability Benefits

If your Social Security Disability benefits stopped because of work-related income, there’s good news—you may be able to get them back without reapplying. However, if your benefits ended due to medical recovery or lack of a qualifying disability, reinstatement isn’t possible unless you meet specific criteria. Let’s break down the process for reinstating your benefits, including timelines and key steps.

Reinstating

If your Disability benefits stopped because of work-related income but your earnings have now fallen below the allowable limits, you might qualify for a process called “expedited reinstatement.” This option allows you to restart benefits within five years of when they ended without needing to file a new application.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a temporary safety net while your case is reviewed. You could receive up to six months of Disability benefits during the reinstatement process.

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How to Start

1. Contact Social Security
   Call the SSA to begin the expedited reinstatement process. Inform the representative that you wish to file for this option.
2. Answer Required Questions
   During the call, the representative will ask questions to confirm your eligibility. There’s no need to complete a new Disability benefits application.
3. Temporary Payments
   While your case is under review, SSA may approve temporary payments for up to six months.

Contact

To request expedited reinstatement, reach out to Social Security through these contact methods:

• Phone Number for Hearing Individuals: +1 800-772-1213
• TTY Number for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing: +1 800-325-0778

Hours of Operation

You can call Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If English isn’t your first language, interpreters for other languages are available.

Reinstatement After 5 Years

If your benefits ended more than five years ago, you’ll need to file a new Disability application. This is also the case if the reason for losing benefits was unrelated to work (e.g., medical improvement). A fresh application allows SSA to reassess your eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits.

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Key Points

• Timeline Matters: Benefits can be reinstated without a new application only if requested within five years of their termination.
• Reason for Termination: Expedited reinstatement is limited to work-related terminations. If benefits stopped for other reasons, a new application is required.
• Temporary Payments: You might receive benefits for up to six months while SSA reviews your reinstatement request.

Addressing these rules can save you time and effort as you navigate the process. If you need more detailed guidance, visit the SSA’s official website: SSA Disability Restart.

FAQs