Navigating the Risks: How to Safeguard Your Social Security Benefits

The article discusses critical reasons why individuals might lose their Social Security benefits, focusing on various circumstances that can lead to their termination or suspension. It outlines important income and resource limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), detailing how exceeding these thresholds can impact eligibility. Additionally, it highlights how marital status changes, particularly divorce, can affect Social Security benefits, and explains the consequences of incarceration on benefit status. The piece serves as a cautionary guide for beneficiaries to remain aware of the conditions that could jeopardize their financial support.

Key Points:

• Income Changes: Earning above annual limits can reduce or suspend Social Security benefits. Different thresholds apply to SSI and SSDI.
• Resource Limits: SSI has resource limits ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples) that, if exceeded, can lead to loss of benefits.
• Divorce Impacts: Changes in marital status affect eligibility for ex-spousal benefits, especially regarding marriage duration and remarriage.
• Incarceration Consequences: Incarceration for more than 30 days may lead to suspension of benefits, while sentences over 12 consecutive months could result in termination.
• Reinstatement Possibilities: Beneficiaries can request restoration of benefits post-incarceration or after observing income/resource limits again.
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