What is the Social Security Disability Benefit Period, and how does it benefit the individual who is disabled? The benefit period remains steady, with payments arriving on a monthly basis as long as the disabled individual continues to be eligible. It is possible for someone who is disabled to hold down a small job and still receive benefits. As long as the amount earned during the monthly benefit period is less than $900, Social Security Disability payments will continue to arrive in a timely manner. If by chance Social Security decides that an individual is no longer disabled, or that someone is able to do what is termed Substantial Gainful Activity, the monthly disability benefits will cease. Periodically, Social Security will review a disability case in order to determine whether or not the disabled individual has a condition that is still considered to be disabling. A medical review is sometimes necessary to find out the status of the disabled person's health.