Eight things you need to report to keep receiving benefits

Did you know that failing to report certain changes in your life can seriously affect your Social Security Disability benefits?

In some cases, not informing the Social Security Administration of a change can result in you being paid too much — and in this case, you will have to pay the money back. If you intentionally withhold vital information, however, your benefits can be stopped completely.

So what kind of information should you report? What matters and what doesn’t?

According to the Social Security Administration, you should promptly inform them if:

1. You accept a job or become self-employed. No matter how much you earn or how many hours you work a week, you should report it.
2. You begin receiving other types of disability benefits, such as workers’ compensation benefits. You should also let the Administration know if you receive a lump-sum settlement.
3. You decide to participate in the Ticket to Work Program. This program provides employment-related services.
4. You move. The Administration needs to know your current address.
5. Your direct deposit information changes. If you change banks, for instance, you will need to update your information so that your disability checks get deposited into the new account.
6. You get married, divorced or change your name.
7. You have an outstanding warrant or get convicted of a crime.
8. Your citizenship status changes.

These are only a few of the life changes the Administration wants you to report in order to continue receiving disability benefits.

If you have questions about Social Security Disability and your rights, it may be worthwhile contacting a knowledgeable lawyer who can explain exactly what you need to do to protect your benefits.