How to Reinstate SSI Disability Benefits After a Change in Income

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability is a program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities. These disabilities could include long-term medical conditions or temporary medical conditions. You must qualify for the disability program (not all applications for SSI are accepted). You may also qualify for the food assistance program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The SSI disability program pays monthly benefits based on financial need. If you have a change in income (e.g., a recent dismissal from a job or the start of a new job), you need to contact the Social Security Administration and inform them of this change.

Things You'll Need

• SSI disability paperwork
• Income paperwork
• Telephone
• Pen
• Paper

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Instructions

• 1

  Gather any SSI disability paperwork that was provided to you by the Social Security Administration when you signed up for benefits.

• 2

  Gather any income paperwork showing a change in your income---pay stubs, a letter from your employer, separation notice if you have been laid off and any other related paperwork.

• 3

  Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or have difficulty hearing, call 1-800-325-0778 from your TTY keyboard telephone device.

• 4

  Press "1" on your phone's keypad for English or say "English." Press "2" on your phone's keypad for Spanish or say "Spanish." You will then be connected to a Social Security Administration agent.

• 5

  Explain to the Social Security Administration agent that you have a change in income and you would like to reinstate your SSI disability benefits.

• 6

  Write on a piece of paper any information the Social Security Administration agent gives you (e.g., the location of your Social Security Administration field office, the date of your appointment to see a field agent).

• 7

  End your call and follow through with any instructions the Social Security Administration agent gave you.