In the United States, many people depend on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) because they cannot work due to serious health problems. This monthly payment helps cover living costs like food, rent, and medical bills. But in May 2025, thousands of Americans will stop receiving this support — and it’s not because of budget cuts or sudden decisions.
The reason is something called a scheduled medical review. This is a normal and routine process where the Social Security Administration (SSA) checks if someone still qualifies for the benefit. If they no longer meet the rules, their payments are stopped.
Let’s break down why this happens, who could be affected, and what steps to take if your payments are stopped.
Why Social Security Disability Payments Can Stop
The SSDI program gives money to people who can’t work because of a disability. But over time, some people get better, go back to work, or earn more than the allowed limit. This is why the SSA carries out regular reviews.
These reviews are not random. The SSA carefully looks at each case and checks:
- Has the person returned to work?
- Has the person’s medical condition improved?
- Is the person now earning more than allowed?
If the SSA finds that someone no longer qualifies, they stop the payment. This ensures that help is given only to those who still need it.
Who May Stop Receiving SSDI Payments in May?
People who no longer meet the following conditions may lose their benefits in May:
- Their disability is no longer severe or has improved
- They can now work full-time
- They are earning above SSA’s income limits
- They didn’t pass a medical review by the SSA
Even if your medical condition hasn’t fully gone away, earning too much income or showing signs of improvement can lead to a loss of benefits.
What to Do If Your Disability Payment Is Stopped
If the SSA sends you a notice that your SSDI is being stopped, don’t panic. You have the right to appeal the decision.
Here’s what you should do:
- Gather medical records that show your condition still exists
- Get letters from your doctor or specialist
- Submit an appeal quickly to avoid long delays
- Ask for help from a disability lawyer or advocate, if needed
In some cases, you can keep getting payments during the appeal, but if your appeal is rejected, you may need to pay back the money.
So it’s very important to be honest in your application, keep your records updated, and respond fast if you receive any notice from the SSA.
Are There Other Support Options?
Yes. If you lose your SSDI and have a low income, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI helps people who are elderly or disabled and don’t have enough money to live on.
To qualify for SSI, you must:
- Be 65 or older, or have a disability
- Have low income and few resources
- Be a U.S. citizen or meet immigration rules
- Live in the U.S. and not travel abroad for more than 30 days
SSI can give up to $967 per month for an individual in 2025, and $1,450 for a couple.