Timelines for disability benefit reinstatement
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries, the timeline for reinstatement depends heavily on whether you qualify for Expedited Reinstatement (EXR).
Expedited reinstatement (EXR)
EXR is a streamlined process for beneficiaries whose benefits stopped because they returned to work and had earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
EXR timeline:
- Filing: You must request EXR within 60 months (5 years) of when your benefits originally stopped.
- Provisional benefits: You may receive temporary provisional benefits for up to six months while the SSA reviews your request. These benefits often start the month after you request EXR.
- Decision: The SSA takes several months to process an EXR request and make a final determination.
- Restart: If approved, your benefits restart the month after you filed your request, and you may be eligible for retroactive pay.
Reinstatement without EXR
If more than 60 months have passed since your benefits stopped, you will need to file a new application for disability benefits. This involves proving you meet the medical eligibility requirements all over again, and the process can be lengthy, often taking several months to over a year, especially if an appeal is necessary.
Timelines for retirement benefit reinstatement
Reinstating Social Security retirement benefits is a much simpler process than for disability benefits, assuming you voluntarily suspended them.
Voluntary suspension
If you reached your full retirement age and chose to suspend your benefits to earn delayed retirement credits, restarting them is straightforward.
- Automatic restart: Your payments will automatically start again the month you turn age 70, unless you request them to begin earlier.
- Manual restart: You can request to reinstate benefits at any time after your suspension began. The process can be done over the phone or in person with the SSA.
- Timeline: Once you request to end the suspension, your benefits will go into effect again the following month.
Withdrawal of benefits
If you withdrew your application within the first 12 months of receiving benefits, you can't suspend them later. You would need to re-apply, and the timeline would be similar to an initial application process.
Reinstatement after incarceration
The rules and timelines for getting benefits back after release from jail or prison depend on the specific program you were on and the length of your confinement.
- SSDI reinstatement: If your SSDI benefits were suspended due to incarceration for over 30 days, they can be reinstated starting with the month after you are released. You or a prison representative should contact the SSA up to 90 days before your release.
- SSI reinstatement: If you were incarcerated for less than 12 consecutive months, your SSI payments can be reinstated in the month you are released. If your confinement was 12 consecutive months or longer, your SSI eligibility is terminated, and you will need to file a new application after your release. The reapplication process can take several months.
Comparison of Social Security reinstatement timelines
| Reason for Benefits Stopping | Program Type | Reinstatement Method | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Returned to Work | SSDI or SSI | Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) | 1–6 months for a decision, plus provisional benefits |
| SSDI or SSI | New Application (if > 5 years) | Many months, or longer if appealed | |
| Voluntary Suspension | Retirement | Request to end suspension | As early as the month after your request |
| Incarceration (Short Term) | SSDI | Automatic reinstatement after release | Begins the month after your release |
| SSI (Less than 12 months) | Report release to SSA | Begins the month after your release | |
| Incarceration (Long Term) | SSI (12+ consecutive months) | File a New Application | 3–5 months or longer |
Steps to take for reinstatement
Regardless of the reason for the stoppage, there are general steps you should take to ensure your benefits are reinstated as smoothly as possible:
- Identify the reason: Understand exactly why your benefits stopped. This will determine the correct path to reinstatement.
- Contact the SSA immediately: The sooner you contact the SSA, the sooner the process can begin. Call the national line at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local field office.
- Use a my Social Security account: You can review your benefit status and manage some aspects of your case through an online account at www.ssa.gov.
- Gather necessary documentation: Depending on your situation, you may need updated medical records, proof of release from incarceration, or information about your income.
- Act quickly and follow up: Pay close attention to all deadlines for submitting documents or filing appeals. Always keep copies of everything you submit.
Conclusion
Reinstating Social Security benefits is not a single, uniform process, and the timeframe is dictated by the specific circumstances that led to the benefits stopping. For disability beneficiaries who return to work, the expedited reinstatement (EXR) provision offers a faster path to regain benefits without a new application, while others may face a longer reapplication process. For those who voluntarily suspend retirement benefits, reinstatement is a quick, straightforward request. For individuals released from incarceration, rapid reinstatement for shorter sentences is possible, but longer confinement requires a reapplication. Understanding your specific situation and acting promptly is the most effective way to manage the timeline for getting your benefits back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I restart my Social Security disability benefits if I start working again?
Yes, if your benefits stopped due to earnings, you can use the Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) program to restart them without a new application, as long as you request it within five years of the benefits ending.
How long does it take for disability benefits to restart under Expedited Reinstatement?
It can take several months for the SSA to process an EXR request. However, you can receive provisional (temporary) benefits for up to six months while the review is pending.
What happens if I was receiving SSI and was incarcerated for over a year?
If your SSI payments were suspended for 12 consecutive months or longer due to incarceration, your eligibility is terminated, and you must file a new application to reestablish your benefits.
How can I get my retirement benefits back after a voluntary suspension?
You can contact the SSA by phone or visit an office to request that your payments resume. They will restart the month after your request. Alternatively, your benefits will automatically restart the month you turn age 70.
Do I have to repay provisional benefits if my EXR request is denied?
No, in most cases, you do not have to repay the provisional benefits paid during your EXR request review, even if the request is ultimately denied.
Can I get retroactive payments if my disability benefits are reinstated?
Under the EXR process, you may be eligible for retroactive back payments for up to 12 months for the time you waited while your request was being processed.
Is the reinstatement process the same for both SSDI and SSI?
No, while both have an EXR process, the rules for suspension and termination differ. For instance, SSI can be terminated after 12 months of suspension, while SSDI has a more extended window for reinstatement.
Can my family's benefits also be reinstated?
If your family members received benefits based on your record and those benefits were stopped, they can be restarted if your request for reinstatement is approved. The spouse, child, or guardian must request they be restarted separately.
