An Employment Review Is How Social Security Checks Whether You Still Cannot Work

An employment review is a check Social Security does to see whether your disability has improved enough that you could return to work. It is not a medical exam. Instead, a Social Security employee looks at what you have been doing since your last benefit decision — whether you have tried working, how much you earned, what kind of work you did, and whether your condition has changed. Based on that information, Social Security decides whether to keep paying your benefits, reduce them, or stop them.

You do not request an employment review. Social Security starts one on its own, usually because enough time has passed since your last decision, or because they received information suggesting your condition may have improved. The review happens through the mail and over the phone — you answer questions about your work history and current health, and Social Security uses your answers to decide what to do next.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security begins an employment review without you asking, usually one to three years after approving your benefits or your last review.
  • The review focuses on whether you have worked, how much you earned, and whether your medical condition has changed since your last decision.
  • You will receive a letter in the mail asking you to report your work and earnings, and you must respond within the important date or risk losing benefits.
  • If Social Security finds you can work, they will send you a written decision explaining why and telling you how to appeal if you disagree.
  • Work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended may be able to access Period let you test returning to work without when ready losing all benefits.

When Social Security Starts an Employment Review

Social Security does not wait for you to report changes. They have rules about when to check on your case automatically. If you were approved for SSDI before age 22, Social Security will review your case around age 22, then again at age 18 to 19 years after approval. If you were approved at age 22 or older, they typically review your case one to three years after approval, then every three to seven years after that, depending on whether your condition is expected to improve.

Social Security may also start an employment review if they learn you have been working. This can happen because you reported earnings to them, because your employer reported you to the system, or because they found a record of your wages. Even small amounts of work can trigger a review, though the outcome depends on how much you earned and what kind of work you did.

You will receive a letter in the mail telling you that Social Security is reviewing your case. The letter will ask you to fill out a form called a Work Activity Report or similar document, and it will give you a important date — usually 10 days to two weeks — to return it. Missing the important date can result in your benefits being stopped, so respond as soon as you receive the letter.

What Information Social Security Asks For

The Work Activity Report asks you to list any work you have done since your last decision or your last review. For each job, you report the dates you worked, the type of work, the hours per week, and your gross monthly earnings. You also report whether you are still working in that job or whether you have stopped.

Social Security also asks whether your medical condition has changed. They want to know whether you have had new treatments, new diagnoses, hospitalizations, or changes in your symptoms or limitations. They ask whether you have seen a doctor recently and, if so, what the doctor said about your ability to work. Be honest and specific — vague answers often lead to Social Security requesting medical records or scheduling a consultative exam.

If you have not worked, you still need to return the form saying so. Failing to respond is treated as a refusal to cooperate, and Social Security can stop your benefits for that reason alone, even if your condition has not changed.

How Social Security Uses Your Work History to Make a Decision

Social Security has specific rules about how much you can earn before they consider you able to work. In 2024, earning more than $1,550 per month (the amount changes yearly) is considered substantial gainful activity, or SGA. If you earned more than this amount in any month, Social Security will likely conclude you can work and will stop or reduce your benefits.

However, Social Security also looks at the type of work you did and how long you did it. If you worked for only a few weeks, or if you worked at a job that does not require the skills your condition prevents you from using, Social Security may decide the work does not prove you can do regular work. They also consider whether you needed special accommodations, whether you had to take frequent breaks, or whether you had help from a family member or supervisor.

If you earned less than the SGA amount, Social Security will look at your medical records to decide whether your condition has improved. They may request updated reports from your doctors, or they may schedule a consultative exam with a doctor they choose. This exam is free to you, but you are required to attend.

Work Incentives That Protect Your Benefits While You Test Working

Social Security offers two main work incentives designed to let you try returning to work without when ready losing all your benefits. The first is the Trial Work Period, which lasts nine months. During these nine months, you can earn any amount of money and keep your full SSDI benefit. The nine months do not have to be consecutive — they are counted based on the months in which you earned over $1,050 (the 2024 amount; this changes yearly).

After your Trial Work Period ends, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period

If you use these work incentives and then your earnings drop below SGA, your benefits restart automatically — you do not have to reapply. However, you must report your work and earnings to Social Security. If you do not report, they may stop your benefits for failure to cooperate, even if you would have been may have access to to keep them.

What Happens After Social Security Makes a Decision

Social Security will send you a written decision letter explaining what they found and what they are doing with your benefits. If they decide your condition has improved and you can work, they will tell you the date your benefits will stop. This date is usually at least one month away, giving you time to plan.

If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date on the decision letter. The first step is a reconsideration, which means a different Social Security employee will review your case from the beginning. You can submit new medical evidence, a statement from your doctor, or additional information about your work history.

If Social Security decides to reduce your benefits rather than stop them entirely, the reduction usually takes effect one month after the decision letter. You will continue to receive a smaller check while your appeal is being decided, unless Social Security determines you should receive nothing.

How to Prepare for an Employment Review

Keep records of all work you do, including the dates, hours, and earnings. If you are self-employed, keep receipts and a straightforward log of your income and expenses. If you work for an employer, ask for a pay stub or a letter from your employer showing your hours and pay.

Keep copies of all medical records and doctor's notes, especially anything that describes your limitations or restrictions. If your doctor has written that you cannot work full-time, or that you need frequent breaks, or that your condition is not improving, keep that documentation. When Social Security asks about your medical condition, you can reference these records.

When you receive the Work Activity Report, fill it out completely and honestly. Do not leave blanks or write "see attached" without actually attaching something. If you are unsure about a question, call Social Security's main number (1-800-772-1213) and ask for clarification before you submit the form. Return the form before the important date, and keep a copy for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lose my benefits if I work part-time?

Not automatically. If you earn less than the SGA amount (currently $1,550 per month in 2024) and you are not in your Trial Work Period, you can keep your full benefit. If you earn more than SGA, Social Security will review your case to decide whether you can do substantial work. Even then, you have the right to appeal.

What if I do not respond to the Work Activity Report?

Social Security will stop your benefits for failure to cooperate. You can request reinstatement if you respond later, but you may lose months of payments. Always respond to the form, even if you have not worked — write "no work activity" and return it by the important date.

Do I have to tell Social Security about every job I try?

Yes. Even if you work for only a few days or a few weeks, report it on the Work Activity Report. Social Security uses this information to decide whether you are trying to return to work and whether your condition allows you to do so. Hiding work can result in overpayment and a requirement to repay benefits.

What is a consultative exam, and do I have to go?

A consultative exam is a medical evaluation Social Security schedules with a doctor to update your medical records. You are required to attend unless you have a valid reason (such as hospitalization). If you do not attend without a good reason, Social Security may stop your benefits. The exam is free, and you can bring medical records or a list of your medications.

Can I appeal if Social Security says I can work?

Yes. You have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to request a reconsideration. You can submit new medical evidence, a statement from your treating doctor, or information about why you believe you still cannot work. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.