My disability benefits have ended. What is the fast way to get them restored?

The fastest way to get your disability benefits restored is to file an Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits form with Social Security. This expedited reinstatement is available to individuals who used to receive either Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income, but no longer receive these cash benefits because they have been able to work at a level that is considered to be substantial gainful activity.

Social Security defines substantial gainful activity (SGA) as the ability to earn a minimum of $1,000 per month if you are not blind or $1,640 if you are blind.

Once you reach this level of SGA, you have up to five years or 60 months where you can file the Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits form if your medical condition deteriorates again to the point where you are unable to work. When you file this form, you can start getting cash benefits once again for up to six months while Social Security is reviewing your application to determine if you meet the definition of permanently disabled.

You can only use the Expedited Reinstatement for a recurrence of the same disability as before, not for a different one and you have to file within 60 months of when your benefits were stopped.

There are many excellent attorneys who specialize in helping disabled people get the benefits they need and deserve. If you find yourself in a situation where you have lost your benefits because you were able to return to work, but now you are unable to work you should get help from a qualified attorney. They can help you file the Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits form or they may advise you that because of your specific circumstances you should file an entirely new claim.