How long can someone receive disability benefits?

On Behalf of | Jan 13, 2020 | Social Security Disability Claims

Getting approval for disability benefits can provide a sense of relief. However, those who’ve successfully claimed them may wonder how long they’ll last. The answer to that question often varies. That’s because the length and severity of one’s condition can play a role.

Typically, Social Security recipients get split into three categories. Those include Medical Improvement Expected (MIE), Medical Improvement Possible (MIP) and Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE).

What does each one mean?

Each category specifies periods when a person’s eligibility is up for review and how much longer they’ll be able to claim benefits. Here’s how they work:

  • Medical Improvement Expected: If a person’s condition falls under this segment, the administration often believes their condition can improve. Typically, recipients under MIE get a review every 6 to 18 months. If the administration feels a person’s situation has improved enough for them to work, they’ll likely stop making payments.
  • Medical Improvement Possible: For this section, the SSA likely believes a person’s condition could get better. If that’s the case, recipients under MIP go up for review every 2 to 5 years.
  • Medical Improvement Not Expected: With the MINE category, the SSA typically thinks a person’s condition will likely won’t get better. Beneficiaries under MINE usually get a review every 5 to 7 years. If a person can show their condition hasn’t improved, they can stay on SSDI until they reach retirement age.

Maintaining support can be challenging

If the SSA decides to discontinue disability payments, that doesn’t mean people can no longer collect. However, if the SSA determines a beneficiary’s appeal has no validity, they may have to pay back the money they received during the appeals process. But for those suffering from permanent and severe disabilities, they can often claim benefits until they die.

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